Important Evidence in Car Accident Cases
When a car accident claim is filed in pursuit of financial compensation for medical costs and other losses suffered by a victim, the claimant or filing party bears the burden of proof. There must be evidence proving that what is being claimed is more likely to be true than not true. Recognizing important types of evidence can help you build a stronger car accident case in Chicago.
Police Report
Always contact the police to report a car accident. If someone has been injured or property damage appears to exceed $1,500, police reporting is mandatory by law in Illinois. Reporting even a minor collision, however, is important in terms of evidence, as it can provide a police report. This document will contain facts and unbiased information about the crash that an insurance company can utilize during its investigation.
Photographs
Photographic evidence of the car accident scene can be critical in terms of reconstructing the accident and determining who is at fault. Pictures showing where the vehicles ended up, the property damage to each car, injuries sustained, markings or debris in the road, and the overall surroundings and weather conditions can paint a picture of how and why the crash occurred.
Video Footage
If any cameras caught the accident on tape or captured images of the at-fault driver in the moments leading up to the crash, this can present strong evidence regarding who is to blame. In the aftermath of a car crash in Chicago, search for traffic cameras or surveillance cameras set up at nearby businesses. Look around to see if any nearby motorists have dashcams, as well.
Medical Records
If a car accident case involves a claim of physical injuries by a victim, he or she will need to provide supporting medical evidence. The car insurance company will request records proving that the claimant was injured and that demonstrate the type and severity of the injuries, as well as the costs of required medical care.
Witness Statements
Written and signed statements from people who saw the accident take place, including passengers in either vehicle, can clarify details about the collision and help an insurance company determine fault. Speak to witnesses at the accident scene before you leave, writing down full name and contact information to obtain formal statements later.
How an Attorney Can Help You Collect Evidence
Evidence is the crux of a car accident claim in Chicago. The stronger your evidence, the stronger your claim. A car accident attorney can take immediate steps to save and collect key evidence in your case, such as contacting the defendant or submitting subpoenas for the preservation of evidence, legal documents preventing the destruction of evidence.
An attorney can revisit the scene of your car crash to investigate and look for evidence such as surveillance video footage, as well as interview eyewitnesses and make phone calls to gather copies of integral documents. Finally, an attorney can hire experts to optimize your case’s odds of success. This may include medical experts to provide information about your injuries and accident reconstruction professionals.
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Chicago and need to start collecting evidence to build a personal injury claim, request a free consultation with an attorney to find out if hiring one is right for your case and needs.