What Evidence Might Help My Car Accident Case?
Solid evidence is the backbone of a New York car accident claim. However, knowing what types of evidence to look for and how best to use the evidence you have requires in-depth legal knowledge and practical experience.
As a Binghamton car accident attorney, Scott C. Gottlieb knows what makes for the most effective evidence in an auto accident claim.
Here are some common types of evidence used in car accident cases:
Police Report
The police crash report is important evidence in car accident cases. Many insurance companies require you to include the police report when you submit a claim to prove the crash happened. The responding officer’s notes also establish a baseline set of facts about the crash and may indicate who caused it.
Photos
It’s easier to understand the effects of a car accident and how it may have happened when you have visual proof. Photos can help insurance companies or the court understand the relative positions of the cars at the time of the crash, the angle of impact, and the force of the collision. The angle of impact is particularly important because seeing how the cars collided can shed light on which driver’s actions caused the crash. Photography of the scene of a car crash could show this important piece of evidence.
Videos
A surveillance or traffic camera may have recorded the moments leading up to the crash, which can help investigators determine which driver’s actions led to the collision. For example, video cameras sometimes record drivers looking at their phones, weaving through traffic, or engaging in other dangerous behavior that caused a crash.
Physical Evidence
Accident reconstruction specialists can analyze physical evidence from the scene of a crash to identify the liable drivers. For instance, skid marks can indicate when a driver applied the brakes and if they were following too closely. In some cases, forensic accident investigators can use the evidence they’ve gathered to create computer simulations or models of the crash, allowing them to analyze what happened in minute detail.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness accounts can significantly impact car accident cases because they provide a neutral perspective on what happened. For instance, if a witness saw a driver looking at their phone or running a red light, their testimony can be compelling evidence of the driver’s negligence.
Medical Records
Car accident medical evidence plays a vital role in helping people recover fair compensation. Medical records can link the injuries to the car accident. Additionally, they demonstrate the nature and severity of a driver’s injuries, which helps calculate their claim’s value. Doctors can analyze medical records to show how they resulted from the crash. For example, a driver hit from behind may have bruises across their chest or broken ribs from the force of their chest pressing against their seatbelt.
Bills
Finally, medical bills, repair estimates, and other financial documents help illustrate the financial impact of an accident. Without these documents, injured drivers may have trouble recovering fair compensation for their economic losses from a collision.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Car Accident Evidence
Let Attorney Scott C. Gottlieb investigate a crash and gather evidence to support your personal injury claim while you rest and heal. Call our firm now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
