With the rise of smartphones, we all now have photography, videography, and recording equipment on our phones that rivals anything available commercially twenty years ago. That means that if you are in an accident, you can collect compelling evidence in real-time that might have otherwise been destroyed. But what evidence should you collect, and what steps can you legally take to obtain statements from other parties involved in the collision?
If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle collision, you will need to have experienced counsel help you attain your fair share of compensation for your injury, damages, and recovery. Barrett Law has the experience to help you—contact us now at (800) 707-9577.
Good Evidence is the Key to a Great Case
A vehicle accident is a chaotic scene. Injured people, broken glass, traffic streaming by—it is a dynamic and wild environment. But capturing that scene through photographs, video, and audio recordings may prove the difference between being compensated for your fair share of your damages and receiving nothing at all. The problem is that immediately after an accident occurs, tow trucks move damaged vehicles off the roadway, witnesses drive off, and the injured parties are taken for medical care. Everyone’s memory of the scene simultaneously dims and gets tainted by their self-interest. That is why recording the aftermath of an accident is vital to proving your case. Even police officers who come upon the scene later will not have the same opportunity to document it that you will if you were involved in the accident.
Obviously, if you were injured in the accident, focus your energy on attaining immediate medical care. But if you are able, you should use your smartphone to document as much as you can. But what should you document?
Standard Information
Of course, you always need to attain the standard after accident information, including names and contact information for all parties involved, VIN numbers for all vehicles, and everyone’s insurance information. Use your smartphone to photograph all of these documents and then send them to yourself as an email so that they are effectively saved in two places.
Take Photographs
Take as many photographs of the scene as possible. You want a photo of every vehicle, from every possible angle. These photographs will become crucial evidence if the other driver refuses to admit fault or, worse, blames you for the accident.
Make Digital Video of the Accident
As soon as you get out of your vehicle, turn on your phone’s video camera. People often admit fault as soon as they get out of their car, saying something to the effect of, “I should never have turned in front of your car,” or “I shouldn’t have looked down at my phone.” These statements may be crucial to your case later. This video will also be vital to document the time of day that the accident occurred, weather and road conditions, and the degree of darkness.
No one has to make a statement to you, and you cannot make them make a statement. Similarly, you should refrain from making any statement about the accident, your role in it, or its cause.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Vehicle Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle collision, you know that these accidents can require, expensive medical treatment and costly repairs to the vehicles involved. Inexperienced attorneys that do not deal with personal injury cases daily may lead you down a dead-end where you receive no compensation for your car accident. Don’t make that mistake—let experienced personal injury counsel take care of preserving your medical records, attaining expert medical opinions, and dealing with the defendant’s attorneys. These are essential tasks that only a veteran personal injury attorney can handle for you.
Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have been injured. Contact our experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney now at (800) 707-9577.