Types of Evidence You’ll Need to Collect After a Car Accident

Life in Northglenn moves quickly, and with it comes the risk of accidents. The streets here are always busy, traffic is almost always in a chokehold, and there’s also the combination of bustling roads and suburban life. All of these factors contribute to the accidents that occur here in Northglenn.

Evidence isn’t just something lawyers talk about in courtrooms. It’s the backbone of your claim. It shows what happened, how it happened, who was at fault, and how it affected your life. Without it, your case becomes a game of guesswork, something insurance companies love, but victims like you can’t afford.

Evidence has to be gathered methodically, documented carefully, and stored safely. And even though you might feel overwhelmed, having a solid understanding of what evidence you need and how to get it is always beneficial. And, with the help of a car accident lawyer in Northglenn, you can be sure you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself.

The Police Report

The very first and most official piece of evidence you’ll need is the police report. When officers arrive at the scene, they document the entire situation. The report they file includes the date, time, location, parties involved, initial observations, road conditions, weather, any citations issued, and most importantly, their preliminary judgment about who may have caused the accident.

If the police do not arrive on their own, you might have to file a police report yourself. Even if it seems like a minor crash, skipping this step is a major mistake. Without this report, you’re essentially starting your case without a foundation. Once the officers have left the scene, you’ll need to follow up to obtain a copy of that report.

Insurance companies rely heavily on it, and your legal team will too. So make sure that the police were called and that their report is complete,  and includes your account of what happened.

Visual Proof

Photos and videos tell a story when words fall short, so you need to capture everything. That means snapping photos of how the vehicles are positioned, any skid marks, broken glass, nearby traffic signs, weather conditions, and the condition of the road. If it was raining, show that. If there’s a pothole that contributed to the crash, capture it.

And if you’re unable to take the photos yourself, ask someone on scene to help, because evidence fades fast, and this is your only chance to catch it.

Witness Accounts

If anyone saw what happened, they are one of your most valuable assets. A neutral third party who wasn’t involved in the crash has nothing to gain, which makes their account incredibly powerful.

As soon as it’s safe, ask for their name, phone number, and if they’re willing, a quick description of what they saw. Even a simple statement, written on the spot or recorded on your phone, can lock in details that would otherwise be forgotten.

Later, your lawyer can follow up for a more formal statement. But time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the harder it is to track witnesses down, and there’s also the possibility of them forgetting important details.

Medical Records

When you visit a hospital, urgent care, or your regular doctor, they’ll start a paper trail. That trail proves that you were hurt, when you were hurt, and how badly.

Your medical records will also show the cost of treatment, recommended follow-ups, prescriptions, and any physical therapy required. All of this adds to the total value of your claim. Without these documents, it becomes your word against the insurance company, and they’re not likely to take your word for it.

Conclusion

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t try to handle it all on your own. Talk to an experienced attorney who understands how to document your case from the ground up and preserve the evidence you need to build a rock-solid claim.