Gathering Evidence

What to Look for After Your Accident

The evidence from your car accident could be scattered and difficult to piece together. However, the steps you take after an accident can make this process easier by preserving important details necessary for your case. With over 120,000 car accidents occurring every year in Pennsylvania, knowing what evidence to look for and what information to collect can save you time and money while avoiding headaches from the insurance companies.

If you've been injured in a car accident, we're here to help you recover the money you need to get back on your feet. Contact us 24/7 at 412-394-1000 or simply complete the free case review located to the right. It costs absolutely nothing to speak with our legal professionals, and there's no obligation to use our services.

File a Police Report

Contact the proper authorities immediately after an accident, especially if someone is injured. Some might be tempted to avoid contacting the police, but having an official report on file will help keep the details organized. In some minor accident cases, an officer may deem that filing a report is unnecessary. You can, however, ask for an informal report.

Despite the emotions you may have after your accident, it's important to keep your composure and convey the facts. Don't accuse anyone or admit fault to anything. When you lose your cool, it's easy to misremember the important details and circumstances that lead to your car accident.

Preserve the Evidence

Have a cell phone with a camera? Take pictures. If not, stow a disposable camera in your glove box, just in case you need it. Be sure to collect photographs of the following:

Because evidence disappears quickly, it's important to obtain as much information as you can. If you have a passenger with you, you may want them to take photos while you speak with the police. Make sure to tell your passenger what to photograph.

Speak with Drivers and Witnesses

Other Drivers Involved

Make sure to get the contact information for other drivers involved in the accident. Obtain the following information:

Take note of the make, model, and year of their vehicle. Obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN) as well. If it's a commercial vehicle, record the name of the company that owns it. Or, if someone other than the driver owns the car, make sure to get his or her information also.

Witnesses

Witnesses can be incredibly helpful when determining fault in certain accidents. If the other driver's insurance company tries to pin blame on you, witnesses can help clear you name. Don't forget to speak with the passengers in other cars involved in the accident. They are witnesses too.

Organize the Important Details

Before you say or sign anything, it's important to speak with an attorney in order to organize the details of your accident. Make sure you fully understand what happened, the sequence of the events, and all the details involved. If you can, draw a diagram of the crash.

Too often we hear from accident victims who allowed the insurance company to record a statement, but then misremembered important details of their case. The insurance companies will jump at the chance to trip you up, confuse your story, and leave you holding the bill.

Until you speak with an attorney, just say no. It's your legal right. We're ready to help with your case, and we'll fight for fair compensation from aggressive insurance companies that will give you less than you deserve.

Call Today for a Free Case Review

Our legal professionals are standing by to get started on your car accident injury case. We're available 24/7 to answer your legal questions and fight for the money you deserve. Call us at 412-394-1000 for a free legal consultation, or contact us online by completing the form located in the top right corner of this page.

Remember, there's never a fee unless we get money for you. You won't pay us a cent until we win your case. That's our guarantee. Call us today.