Two Important Sources of Evidence in Erie Auto Accident Cases

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Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

Collecting compensation for damages after an auto accident may not always be easy. Insurance companies are not in business to lose money. Therefore, insurance providers do not simply hand out money after an auto accident. You must provide evidence to prove the other driver caused the crash. Even with evidence, most insurance companies attempt to minimize settlement payments whenever possible.

One of the best ways to protect your right to full compensation for an auto accident claim is to consult an Erie personal injury attorney soon after the crash. An attorney experienced in handling car accident claims explains your rights, the process of filing a claim, and the tactics used by many insurance companies to undervalue injury claims.

Two Vital Pieces of Evidence You Need for Your Auto Accident Claim

Proving liability and damages are two key elements required to win in every auto accident claim. Two primary sources of this evidence are the auto accident scene and your medical records.

Evidence from the Crash Scene

Evidence from the crash scene can be extremely useful in proving that the other driver caused the crash. If possible, it is helpful to begin gathering this evidence after a crash. Whenever it is safe to do so, try to take photographs of the accident scene from as many different angles as possible. It can also help to make a video so that you do not overlook anything important as you are snapping photographs.

Try to include in your photographs and video:

  • The position of the vehicles;
  • The damage to the vehicles;
  • Skid marks and road debris;
  • Road signs and traffic signals;
  • Roadside foliage and structures; and,
  • Other evidence that might indicate the factors that contributed to the cause of the crash.

Also, make sure that you ask for the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses at the crash scene. Eyewitness testimony can be very convincing when establishing fault for the crash. You should also ask the police officer when and how you can receive a copy of the police report or accident report.

If your injuries prevent you from taking pictures, you might want to ask a bystander (get that person’s name and contact number) or a family member take pictures.

Evidence from Your Medical Records

Documenting the accident scene helps establish fault. However, you must also prove that you sustained damages because of the crash. Therefore, documenting your injuries is equally important. In most cases, the evidence related to your physical injuries is obtained from your medical records. Evidence of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, neck injury, broken bones, and other injuries help prove you were injured in the crash.

Examples of medical records that may be very useful in an auto accident claim include:

  • EMT reports and records
  • Emergency room records
  • Hospital records
  • Physician’s records for post-accident visits
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Treatment plans
  • Physical therapy

Medical records from each medical provider involved in your treatment after the crash should be included.

Our Erie Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

The legal team of The Travis Law Firm works closely with you to gather evidence to prove fault and document your injuries and other damages. It can be difficult to obtain evidence and document damages when you are focused on recovering from your accident injuries. We can handle these steps for you so that you do not need to add worry and stress to an already anxious and painful situation.

Call (800) 401-2066 to request a free legal consultation with our Erie personal injury attorney to discuss your car accident claim.