What Types of Evidence Should I Gather After an Illinois Car Accident?

 Posted on January 13,2023 in Uncategorized

Getting into a car accident is a scary experience. Not only are you probably emotionally rattled, but you may also be suffering from serious injuries. These injuries may be causing you immense pain and prevent you from working, resulting in lost wages and putting a financial strain on your family. Pursuing a personal injury claim can often be worthwhile, but this can also be tricky. You bear the burden of proof in a personal injury claim, meaning you must provide evidence that the collision happened, that you were injured during the crash, and that the injury has caused you pain and suffering, wage loss, or other damages. In order to prove all of this, it is important to gather the correct evidence after a car accident, including:

Photographs

Photos can be an invaluable part of your case in pursuing compensation for your injuries. After the accident, if you are able to, you should try to take photos of each of your immediate visible injuries. Next, take pictures of the scene of the accident, getting landmarks, street signs, street lights, and the vehicles involved in the accident in the photos. Take as many pictures as you can and take them from different angles to capture as much of the scene as possible.

Personal Notes

It can also help for you to take down some notes to record details of the accident. Write down everything that you remember about the collision. These notes should include the time of day when the accident took place, what you were doing immediately before the accident occurred, and any other details about the crash.

Witness Testimonies

Witness accounts can also be beneficial in creating a case for any injuries you may have sustained. If there were people nearby when the accident occurred, try to get their name and contact information, such as a phone number, at the very least. If you are able to, ask the person to tell you their personal account of the incident.

Police Report

When injury is involved, it is always a good idea to contact the police after a car accident. The police report will contain official information about your account of the accident, the other person’s statement, details about the cause of the collision, and information that any witnesses may have given the police officer. You should be sure to get your own copy of the police report to check its accuracy and to keep for your own records.

Medical Records

If you are pursuing compensation due to an injury sustained from a car accident, it is imperative that you have copies of your medical records following the accident. You should be keeping visit summaries, receipts for prescription medications, and instructions from your doctor about how to proceed with your medical treatment.

Get in Touch With a Cook County Personal Injury Attorney Today

Cars are a wonderful invention, but they can also be dangerous. Getting into an accident is often more than just a blip in your day - it can cause you long-lasting pain and suffering, along with real monetary damages. If you have been a victim of a car accident, you need immediate help from an Orland Park car accident injury lawyer. At the Fotopoulos Law Office, we can help you build a strong case against the person who caused your injuries. To set up a free consultation, call our office at 708-942-8400 today.

Sources:

Preserving Evidence in an Auto Accident