What You Need To Know About Preserving Evidence of an Ohio Car Crash

In the chaotic aftermath of a car crash, the steps you take can significantly impact the outcome of any future legal claim or lawsuit. One crucial aspect of building a strong personal injury case is the preservation of evidence.

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we understand how vital it is to secure evidence quickly and efficiently. In this blog, we explain some of the steps involved in preserving important evidence.

If you were injured by a reckless driver, we are here to help. Our team offers unwavering support throughout the legal process, pursuing full compensation for medical care and other damages you may have suffered. There are no upfront costs, and the initial consultation is 100 percent free.

The Importance of Preserving Evidence

In Ohio, drivers who cause crashes are held financially liable for the victim’s damages. However, the victim has the burden of proof, which means the victim and his or her Cleveland auto accident lawyer must provide evidence about the cause of the crash and resulting damages.

In short, the evidence you gather and preserve after a car crash plays a pivotal role in substantiating your claim by:

• Establishing the facts: Evidence helps establish what happened and why. Evidence also explains the extent of your injuries and how they may be linked to the collision.
• Strengthening your position in negotiations: Detailed evidence strengthens your position in negotiations with insurance companies or in court, potentially leading to a better settlement or award. While insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible, it becomes difficult in the face of overwhelming evidence. This is particularly true in the courtroom in front of a jury.
• Gives less opportunity to dispute your claim: Strong evidence gives the insurance company less room to be able to dispute the cause of the crash. That means victims may be more likely to obtain favorable settlements. However, insurance companies are known to challenge claims that are supported by evidence that seems indisputable.
• Quantifying damages: Detailed records of injuries, property damage and how your life has been affected can help accurately calculate the compensation you deserve.

What Are Some of the Ways To Preserve Evidence of an Ohio Car Crash?

There are several steps victims can take to preserve evidence of a crash. However, it is important to emphasize that victims need to stay safe. If it is safer to stay in your car, or getting out and walking around risks further injury, you should allow your lawyer to gather evidence:

• Photograph the scene: One of the benefits of having a smartphone is that you can take pictures of something right after it happens. For example, crash victims can photograph the scene of a crash before anything is altered or cleaned up. This includes all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, crash debris and more. If you have visible injuries, you can photograph them, helping to connect those injuries to the collision. The pictures you take can be critical in reconstructing the accident and determining fault.
• Collect contact information: Gather names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance details of all parties involved in the crash, as well as contact information for witnesses. Witness statements can be invaluable in supporting your version of events, especially when witnesses have no connection to you. Memories fade over time, so evidence statements from soon after the crash often carry more weight than statements made days or weeks later.
• Save physical evidence: Keep any physical evidence intact, such as torn clothing or damaged personal items. These items can help demonstrate the severity of the crash and the impact it had on you.
• Obtain a copy of the police report: This documentation provides an official account of the accident, including the officer’s observations and any citations issued. Request a copy of this report as soon as it is available.
• Seek medical attention: Medical records are a form of evidence, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately after the crash, even if you do not think you are seriously injured. Documenting your injuries and the treatment you receive is essential for your claim. Records showing you sought treatment soon after the collision help to show the crash was the cause of your injuries.
• Keep a journal: Start a journal to document your recovery process, including pain levels, medical visits and how your injuries affect your daily life. This personal account can help support claims for pain and suffering.

Our team understands the complexities of personal injury law and the critical role evidence plays in securing a successful outcome. We work closely with our clients to ensure all evidence is meticulously collected and preserved.

There are also formal steps we can take to prevent evidence from being altered or destroyed. This often comes up in truck accident cases, where it is vital to preserve the damaged truck and other damaged vehicles.

We can also legally obtain video footage of the crash, such as from a security camera or dashboard camera. Another step in some cases is having eyewitnesses do a deposition.

Injured in a Car Crash in Cleveland or Elsewhere in Ohio? Call for Legal Help

Carefully preserving evidence helps lay the groundwork for a strong personal injury claim.

The attorneys and legal staff at Friedman, Domiano and Smith are here to help you gather the evidence you need to pursue full compensation.

Contact us today to tell us what happened and find out if we can assist you. An initial legal consultation is free and there is no obligation to hire one of our lawyers.