What information do I need to gather at the scene of a car accident?
By GNGF on January 23rd, 2023 in
Gather as much information as possible about the other driver, including the driver’s name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Take photos of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. If you have cuts, bruises, or other injuries and are in shape to take photos, do so. Also, get the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses to the accident, and do not assume that the police will keep that information or include it in the accident report.
If you are unable to gather the information above because your injuries are too severe, you could perhaps ask a passenger in your car whose injuries are not severe, or even a friendly bystander, to take photographs of the scene of the accident and to obtain witness contact information. These things can be invaluable resources for your car accident attorney down the line as he or she works to build a solid claim for your damages.
In some cases, there may have been video cameras in the area where your accident occurred. If this is true for your accident, your attorney may obtain the video to help prove fault. Most newer cars now have some form of “black box” which can provide such information as the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash, as well as whether the driver performed a “hard brake” immediately prior to the accident.
Videos can also help your attorney track down witnesses in some instances, as well as potentially obtain the license plate number of the person who hit you. Always gather as much information as you are able to at the time of your accident. Once you are home, it can be extremely helpful for you to write down every detail you remember about the accident. This is a case where no detail is too small because it could potentially help your attorney prove liability and get you the money you need and deserve.
What information do I need to have to file a car accident claim?
To file a claim against the at-fault driver, it is best to have a copy of the accident report, photos of the vehicles involved, the accident scene and any of your visible injuries, your own automobile insurance information, and a list of all of the medical providers who have treated you for your injuries. You are not required to give the other driver’s insurance medical authorization or agree to a recorded statement.
It is extremely important that you keep careful receipts of every expense you have had related to the accident. Keep your receipts for payments to doctors, the hospital, the ambulance, prescription drugs, rehabilitative therapies, and any other expenses you pay. Keep track of every doctor or medical professional you visit. When you have your vehicle repaired, keep all receipts for that if you pay out of pocket.
Ask the police officer at the scene of the accident when the accident report will be ready and where you should pick it up. When you meet with your attorney, have all this information, as well as your actual insurance policy. This makes it infinitely easier for your attorney to build a solid case on your behalf.
How Can the Harmonson Law Firm with Offices in El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM Help?
Once you have hired the Harmonson Law Firm, our attorneys will take steps to establish your claim, including reviewing the accident report, talking to witnesses, reviewing or taking photographs of the accident scene, and inspecting both vehicles. Once we have clearly proven liability for the accident, we will determine what your claim is worth by calculating your medical expenses and lost wages up to this point, then adding in any future medical expenses and future lost wages.
We will then send a letter to the at-fault party and his or her insurance company to notify them of your claim, and speak to your own insurer to see whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We will negotiate with the insurer for a full settlement—if they are resistant, we will file a lawsuit against them. In many cases, this is enough to convince the insurer to pay what your claim is worth. In other cases, we will argue your claim in court.
Attorneys Clark Harmonson and Hadley Huchton consistently go above and beyond for every single client. Our goal is to help good people, who have been seriously injured in an auto accident or through medical malpractice, get the settlement they need, and we will do the same for you. If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate attorney following your car accident, contact Harmonson Law Firm today. Please note that nothing herein is meant as legal advice specifically related to your case.
