4 Ways to Document Damage From a Car Accident
Unfortunately for drivers in the United States, injuries from car accidents are not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly three million people were injured and over 40,000 people were killed due to motor vehicle accidents in 2016. Injuries from car accidents can range from mild to severe and can greatly impact your life. One of the most important things you can do to make sure you are in the best position to receive a favorable settlement is preserving and recording damages and evidence resulting from the car accident. Here are four ways to document the damage:
1. Take Your Own Notes of the Accident
By taking notes immediately after the accident while you are still at the scene, you are minimizing the possibility of memory loss. Chances are, your case will not be settled for months after the accident occurred, which is why it is important to document what occurred while your memory is still fresh. You should note:
- Where and when the accident occurred.
- What happened during the accident.
- The road and weather conditions at the time.
- The names, contact information, and insurance information of others involved in the crash.
- The names and contact information of any witnesses to the crash.
- Witnesses’ accounts of what they saw.
2. Take Photos
Taking photos of damages to your car and injuries that you or a passenger sustained will be key in proving your case. Before anything is moved or any injuries are treated, try to take as many photos as possible from as many different angles as you can. Take pictures of exterior and interior damage for all vehicles involved, their license plates, the area surrounding the accident, and injuries of any parties involved.
3. Keep Documentation From Doctor’s Visits
If you go to a doctor or emergency room due to injuries from the crash, you should keep all documents from these visits. Most doctor’s offices and hospitals will give you a print out of what was discussed during the visit and any instructions you were given for recuperation. These can help you document the extent of your damages and your recovery process.
4. Keep All Receipts
Car accidents cause all kinds of damage--especially financial damage. Depending on your insurance policy and the other driver’s insurance coverage, you might have out-of-pocket costs to fix your car, and those costs can grow large very quickly. You will probably have costs relating to medical treatment for your injuries. Keep all receipts that show how much you paid for damages and injuries from the accident--these can be used to calculate an amount for a settlement.
Consult With an Aurora Auto Accident Injury Lawyer
If you have been in a car accident, you know how stressful the process of recovering from injuries and fighting with insurance companies to make sure you are compensated justly can be. By working with a skilled Kane County car accident attorney, you can be sure that you have a dedicated advocate on your side to help you receive the compensation that will cover the costs of your injuries. Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will fight to protect your interests and obtain the settlement you deserve. Call our office today at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.dmv.org/insurance/how-to-document-auto-accident-damage.php
https://www.thebalance.com/determine-damages-in-car-accident-2645568
