A report from USA Today states that the US experienced an average of 114 deadly car accidents per day in the previous three years.
- In 2020, the US had an average of 107 fatal car collisions every day
- In 2021, the average was 118 fatalities per day
- In 2022, the average was 117 fatalities per day
Statistics reveal that car accidents are not uncommon in the US. If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to discuss your case with a car accident lawyer.
To get reasonable compensation, you should prove that the other party was negligent and caused the car collision. This requires gathering and presenting several types of evidence that can support your car accident claim and show the severity of your injuries and losses.
In this blog post, we are going to share the six types of evidence that are important to prove a car accident case.
- Medical Records
Medical records are the most important piece of evidence in a car accident case. The following are included in your medical records:
- The nature and extent of your injuries
- The medical expenses you incurred
- The treatment you received
- The prognosis and recovery time
Medical records can also show the pain and suffering you sustained as a result of the car collision. To get your medical records, you should visit a doctor immediately after a car collision and follow their advice.
- Photos and Videos
After a car crash, you should snap photos or record videos of everything at the scene of the accident. This includes:
- Injuries
- Property damage
- Vehicles involved
- Road conditions
- Weather
Photos and videos can provide visual proof of how the car collision happened, who was at fault, and what damages occurred. You can take pictures and videos from your smartphone or camera; otherwise, ask someone nearby to do it for you.
Don’t forget to take pictures of the license plates, insurance cards, and driver’s licenses of the parties involved.
- Police Reports
In a car accident case, the police report plays a major role in proving that you suffered losses. A police report is an official document that includes accident details, such as
- Date, time, and location of the accident scene
- Name and contact details of the parties involved
- Witnesses contact information
- Injuries you sustained
- Damages you incurred
- Citations issued
The police report also includes the officer’s opinion on who was at fault and what caused the car accident. A police report is the best source of evidence in a car collision case, as it can corroborate your version of the incident and give information that you may not have access to.
- Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitnesses can provide an independent and objective account of what they observed, which can support your car collision claim and contradict the other party’s defense.
You should find out and contact the people who witnessed the car collision and request that they give you their names, mobile numbers, and statements. You should also ask them whether they are willing to testify in court.
- Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage and phone records are types of evidence that can show the behavior and actions of the other party before, during, and after the car collision.
Surveillance footage can be obtained from cameras installed in nearby buildings or from dashcams.
These types of evidence can prove the fault and negligence of the other party and improve your chances of winning your car accident case.
- Expert Opinions and Reports
Expert opinions and reports can explain the complex and technical aspects of the car collision. Experts generally include
- Doctors
- Accident reconstructionists
- Engineers
- Vocational experts
- Economists
They can help prove the effect, cause, and severity of the accident, as well as the value of your car accident claim.
Conclusion
Your chances of a successful car accident claim increase when you have sufficient evidence. Don’t forget to hire an experienced car accident attorney to learn how to make the best use of all the evidence at hand.
