How to Collect Evidence After a Car Accident

Keep a camera in the car.

Keep a camera in the car, even if it is only your phone camera. This makes it easy for you to take pictures of all persons and vehicles involved in the accident. Take pictures from various angles. Take pictures of road conditions, road signs, and any other factor that may have caused the accident.

Take picture of damages.

Take close up and long distance shots of damages to the car or vehicle. Take picture of the road from various angles, including signs, traffic conditions, etc.

Take picture of injuries.

Take pictures of injuries that require medical care such as sutures. The insurance company recommend you place a ruler next to scar before taking the picture to show the severity of the damage. This will be important if you need to file an insurance claim. Photograph the injury throughout the healing process. It is important to show in court the length of time involved as it helps address lost wages and other stresses for which you might be entitled compensation.

Develop pictures immediately.

Immediately develop or print your pictures and jot down notes explaining the situation on the back of the picture. Jot down dates on the back of each photo, especially the healing process photos, to show a clear chain of events. Consult an accident lawyer before disposing of your vehicle if it is a total loss or before repairing your vehicle.

Get Copy of Accident Report

Go to the applicable police department and get a copy of the accident report. Read it thoroughly, make note of any and all errors. Submit a request in writing to the police department, copying the officer, identifying the errors in the report and request the report be amended to include correct information.

Keep a journal.

Write down all of the events that you can remember from the accident. According to accidentinfo.com, it takes the average case 12-22 months before going to court. That’s a lot of time to forget the accident details.