What Is Considered Essential Evidence in a Car Accident?

Colburn Law

Posted in Car Accidents on March 22, 2021

In Washington state, car accident victims have the right to pursue compensation if another person was responsible for their collision. If you sustain injuries due to a negligent driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against him or her to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, you will need to supply sufficient evidence to establish the other driver’s fault—and certain pieces of evidence are more essential than others.

Medical Records

To secure compensation after a car accident, you will need to prove that you sustained injuries as a direct result of the at-fault driver’s actions. You will also need to establish how much compensation you will need to recover from your injuries. Your medical records can provide sufficient evidence to prove both of these facts.

Your medical records will contain valuable information about the nature and extent of your injuries, as well as the treatment you have received and will need to receive in the future. To establish documentation of your injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible after your collision.

Police Reports

If you report your accident to law enforcement, you can use the report that the responding officer creates as evidence in your claim. This document will contain important information, such as a description of the crash, the names of the drivers and witnesses at the scene of the accident, and the officer’s opinion on how the collision occurred.

While the police report is not conclusive, it could help establish the at-fault party’s liability and provide insight into the accident. This document can also highlight any inconsistencies in the at-fault driver’s story, further advancing your case’s credibility.

Evidence of Damages

In addition to proving the other driver’s liability, another major component of a car accident claim involves your damages or losses. You will need to provide clear evidence that you suffered economic and non-economic damages as a result of the other driver’s actions. These may include financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. However, you can also secure compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering, such as loss of quality of life or permanent disability.

You can use many documents to establish the extent of your damages, including the following.

• Medical bills and records
• Repair invoices
• Journal entries
• Correspondence with your employer
• Paystubs or timecards

Photographs

Evidence is freshest immediately after a car accident. If you can move around safely and without further injury, taking photographs of the accident site can provide valuable evidence in your future case. These photographs can your attorney build your claim and identify inconsistencies in the at-fault driver’s story.

After the collision, take as many pictures of the accident scene from as many angles as possible. Photograph debris, skid marks, and other physical evidence of the accident, as well as your visible injuries and damage to your vehicle. If there are any stop signs, traffic signals, or other traffic devices in the area, photograph them as well.

Witness Testimony

Although you may provide a statement about how the accident occurred, the insurance company or court will want to hear from third-party witnesses. People who witnessed the crash can provide testimony on how the accident occurred and who was responsible.

This evidence can validate your story and establish your right to damages. As soon as possible after the accident, ask any witnesses in the area for their contact information.

If you are in a car accident, you need an advocate on your side. As soon as you receive medical attention, contact a Seattle car accident lawyer at Colburn Law to learn about your legal options.