Car accident claims help you recover medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and other forms of losses. California is an at-fault state, so you can recover damages if the other driver caused the crash. A car accident lawyer can help you file a claim demanding full compensation.
However, you must prove the other driver’s negligence before you can get any money. The insurance company is more likely to settle your claim if you provide the relevant supporting evidence. Here’s a sample of the types of evidence your may need for a car crash claim, and how you can gather this evidence after your accident.
Photos and Videos
You should take plenty of photos and videos at the crash scene if you’re able. These photos and videos should capture any damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks on the road, and damage to surrounding property like a damaged pole or wall.
The photographic evidence should also capture the injuries you suffered. Make sure you capture close-up photos of the injuries so that you can later substantiate your claim for damages.
You should also snap photos of the surrounding landscape to create a clearer picture of the accident. Your photos should include any traffic control devices located near the scene.
Police Reports
California law requires you to report an accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Once you report the crash, law enforcement officers arrive on the scene. These officers file a report covering the basics of the crash. This report is an invaluable piece of evidence.
You can obtain a copy of this report from the relevant department. This report is a key piece of evidence in establishing negligence in an accident.
Witness Details and Statements
Finally, the contact details of all the parties involved and present at the crash scene are useful pieces of evidence. You need the details of the other drivers to file your insurance claim.
Contact details of the witnesses are useful as you may later need to contact them and get their statements. Witness statements can be a powerful form of evidence in car crash claims.
Get Help from a Southern California Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident claims can take a long time to settle. In general, the more evidence you have to back your claim, the sooner your claim is likely to settle. It can be daunting to gather this evidence on your own. This is where a Southern California car accident lawyer can help you.
At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we help Riverside County crash victims recover full compensation for their losses. Our lawyers can help you fulfill legal requirements, gather evidence, file the claim, and negotiate effectively with insurers, starting with a free consultation.
To discuss your case with our lawyers, call us today at 1-844-404-2400. You can also fill out our online contact form below to get in touch with us.
