Compensation can be a vital part of the recovery process after a car wreck. However, getting the insurance company to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses requires solid proof.
Knowing how to collect evidence for your car accident claim is crucial for showing who was responsible, how badly you were hurt, and why you deserve money.
Why Is Evidence Important in a Car Accident Claim?
In Mississippi, you can seek compensation when a negligent driver or other party causes a wreck that injures you. The process begins by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. But don’t expect the insurer to offer a generous settlement check immediately. An adjuster will evaluate the evidence and draw their own conclusion regarding liability for the collision. Without compelling car accident evidence, you may struggle to recover the money you need to cover your losses.
Types of Evidence to Collect at the Accident Scene
Sometimes, car accident victims are too hurt to collect evidence at the scene of a wreck. But if you can, try to collect valuable proof like:
- Contact information from eyewitnesses
- Names, insurance, and contact information for the other driver(s)
- Photos of the vehicle damage, skid marks, broken glass, and any visible injuries
- Dashcam footage
- Physical evidence, such as auto parts or bloody clothing
Getting a copy of the police report can also bolster your insurance claim.
Evidence You Should Keep After the Wreck
Car accident evidence collection continues even after you leave the crash site. Keep important documents such as medical bills, pay stubs, prescription drug receipts, and medical records. Retain any communications with your employer regarding time off work. Write a daily journal documenting the pain you experience as you recover.
Preserving Evidence Over Time
Some evidence in car accident cases can disappear if you do not act quickly. Here’s how to protect your case:
- Take detailed photos – Capture the accident scene as it was when it happened. Road and weather conditions may have played a role in the wreck, but weather improves, and someone could repair missing signage or overgrown shrubs before you can return to the scene for additional pictures. Losing this evidence could affect your case.
- Request surveillance footage – If nearby security cameras captured the wreck, ask for copies before the footage gets erased.
- Save all written communication – Keep all emails, letters, and text messages from insurance adjusters and medical providers.
Mistakes to Avoid During Evidence Collection
Car accident victims can undermine the effectiveness of their evidence without taking precautions. Posting about the wreck on social media is one example. Insurance companies pay attention to victims’ social media accounts. Never post anything about the crash, injuries, or personal life online until you resolve your case.
Your own social media posts are not the only danger. Let’s say a friend tagged you in a photograph swimming at a pool party. The picture could contradict your statement to insurers that your injuries prevent you from being active.
Another mistake is trashing evidence that you think is unimportant. Getting rid of a bloody shirt may feel like a no-brainer since you won’t wear it again. However, that shirt may tell a powerful story of the location of your injuries and their severity. Visual evidence can be incredibly persuasive to a jury if your car accident lawsuit goes to trial.
How a Mississippi Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys know what it takes to build a strong personal injury case. As the fastest-growing female-owned law firm in the United States, we prepare every case like it’s going to trial and negotiate fiercely for results that make a positive difference in our clients’ lives.
We’ll help through the steps to prove fault in a car wreck and demand fair compensation. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
