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Gathering Evidence

Evidence Gathering Advice

Most people think exchanging the insurance and driver's license information concludes the evidence gathering and preservation process. The truth is it is only a fraction of information to preserve. Here are some tips gathering and preserving evidence after an accident.

License Plate Information

• After an accident, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to copy down the license plate number of the other vehicle involved.
• Very often the person driving the car does not own the car. So obtaining the driver's license information of the other driver is often not sufficient. You need to write down both the driver's information and the license plate of the vehicle.

Police Officer
If an officer has come to the scene, don't forget to ask if a report of the accident will be prepared and where and when it will be available. If the officer does not intend to prepare a report, be sure to request the officer's name and badge number for later contact.
Photos
• Take photos of your car as soon as possible. Take pictures from all angles, not just the damaged portions.
• If possible, take pictures of the other cars involved in the accident.
• Take photos of the area to preserve the way it looked at the time of accident.
• Take photos of the surrounding location and road for any physical damage, skid marks, or debris.
• If you or someone in your car sustained a visible injury: i.e, bruise, cut, scrape, or stitches, take photos of the injury.
• Feel free to take as many photos of what you think may, no matter how trivial, be important to the accident.
Your lawyer will tell you what is important.
• If you were a pedestrian, take photos of the location where you crossed at street or where you were standing, walking, jogging, at the time of your accident.

Statements of Witness(es)
• Take the name, address and telephone number of any potential witness and save this information someplace where it will not be lost.
• Return to the scene, visit any nearby homes or business for any potential witnesse to the accident.
• If you have obtained witness information, do not contact or speak to the witnesses again. Do not try to solicit a written statement and/or drawing from the witness. Let your attorney contact any possible witness(es.

Property Damage
• After taking photos of your car, take the vehicle for a repair estimate as soon as possible. You don't have to use a repair facility recommended by an insurance company to have repairs done.