Types of Evidence After a Pensacola Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s important that you Immediately start gathering evidence to support the validity of your claim. The more documentation you have in support of your claim, the more likely you will receive a fair settlement for your injuries. 

You may not be able to collect all of the evidence you need, but the more evidence you do collect, the easier it will be for your attorney to prove your claim in court or when negotiating with an insurance company. Furthermore, not all evidence is applicable, but It’s best to collect everything you can and let your attorney decide what’s relevant and what isn’t.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Pensacola, contact a Pensacola car accident lawyer at Searcy Denney for help.

Evidence You Should Collect

At a minimum, the evidence you should collect includes:

• Police Reports. Under Florida law, you must report any car accident which results in injuries or property damage. This should be your first step when a car accident occurs, although a call to 911 takes precedence if anyone is seriously hurt. In addition to identifying all the drivers involved, police reports detail precisely when, where, and how the officer thinks it happened.
• Witness Statements. Police will generally obtain the names of witnesses at the scene. However, do not assume they will take any statements, let alone every statement. Gather the names and contact information from all witnesses yourself. Their testimony could show your side of the facts and how the other driver(s) is to blame.
• Photos of the Accident Scene. Cell phones have become commonplace, and most of us carry one at all times. If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, the documentation of others involved, and the injuries you suffered. The more photos, the better. Again, your lawyer can help you pick out which ones he or she will need.
• Surveillance Footage. Traffic cameras often contain recording devices, as do nearby stores, gas stations, and office buildings. Note and photograph any cameras you can locate so our Pensacola car accident lawyer can access these tapes or hard drives if necessary. Be sure to get this information to the attorneys as quickly as possible since most surveillance footage is erased or deleted after a certain time.
• Medical Records and Reports: You should immediately get medical attention after a car accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Many severe conditions have symptoms that take days or even weeks to appear fully. Medical reports from doctor and hospital visits provide important information about your injuries, pain and suffering, the amount of time it will take you to recover, and whether you are likely to suffer permanent impairments. Do not stop documenting all of your medical visits until your attorney says otherwise.
• Bills, Paystubs, and Receipts: In the weeks and months after your car accident, keep all medical bills, receipts for medicines or other items, and pay stubs showing lost wages in a file. Think of it this way: the more you collect, the higher your damages will be.

If You Have Been Involved in a Car Accident in Pensacola,
Let a Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer Help

Gathering evidence after a car accident will help your attorney prosecute your claim and may increase your damages. If you have been involved in a car accident in Pensacola, contact a Pensacola car accident lawyer at Searcy Denney for help. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. If you need us, contact us online today.