What Evidence do You Need to File a Car Accident Claim?

California follows tort law in car accident claims, meaning that accident victims must prove another driver was at fault for a crash when they are trying to claim compensation. Evidence is crucial to prove this fault, but many accident victims do not know what type of evidence they need. If you have been in a car accident that was the fault of someone else, below are a few types of evidence that will greatly help with your claim. An experienced San Francisco car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Photographs and Video of the Scene

Everyone has a smartphone on them these days, making this type of evidence fairly easy to obtain. Take videos and pictures of the scene right after the accident happened. If you are too injured to take pictures or video, ask someone nearby to take them for you.

Other videos of the scene may come from nearby surveillance cameras, such as those used by businesses. These can also provide crucial evidence into how the crash occurred.

Physical Evidence

There may also be physical evidence at the scene, such as skid marks you can measure or road debris. Electronic data from the vehicles involved is another type of physical evidence from the accident scene. These can help establish another driver was negligent, and that you deserve compensation.

Eye-Witness Statements

Sometimes witnesses to car accidents provide statements very freely. Other times, they have to be subpoenaed. An attorney can help with obtaining this evidence when witnesses are reluctant to talk.

Accident Reports

California law requires drivers to report all accidents when they result in injury, death, or significant property damage. Upon visiting the scene, a police officer will make a report and file it. If the report shows another driver was negligent, this can prove to be useful evidence.

Medical Records

Throughout your personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the amount you are asking for is reasonable. Medical records can prove the extent of your injuries, as well as the costs you have incurred because of them.

Expert Testimony

Experts are often used in personal injury cases to testify about the accident victim’s medical condition, their ability to work, or to establish how an accident happened. For example, an accident reconstruction expert may provide testimony about how they reconstructed the accident, and what the reconstruction showed. Accident victims often do not have access to a network of expert witnesses, but a personal attorney injury always will.

Need Help Collecting Evidence? Call a San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer

Evidence is an important aspect of any car accident claim. Unfortunately, many accident victims do not know how to get it, and could not even if they did because they are focusing on their recovery. At Brod Law Firm, we are the car accident attorneys in San Francisco who can help. While you concentrate on getting better, we will collect all the necessary evidence to prove your claim and get you the compensation you deserve. We will also take care of every other aspect of your claim, as well. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 to schedule your free consultation so we can begin discussing your case.

Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

(image courtesy of Kyle Jewell)