A key component of just about any personal injury case is the preservation of evidence. If you can actually prove that the defendant was at fault and that their action caused you to be injured, you’ll be in a much better position to be compensated for your pain and suffering.
With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to collect and preserve evidence if you’re involved in a mishap.
Look for witnesses
If you’re able after the incident, move around and look for witnesses. This should be the first thing you do because memories fade quickly. If you’re with a friend at the time of the incident, have them spread out and look for witnesses.
Once you’ve found witnesses, be sure to write down their contact information (telephone numbers, full name and address). Write down any statements they’re willing to provide.
Write down all the details while they’re still fresh in your mind
No detail is insignificant. Include everything that happened before, during and after the incident. Be sure to include the time the incident happened, the weather conditions and who was there when you were injured.
It’s very important to include the reaction of the person who caused the incident. Be sure to include notations of whether they admitted fault or offered to pay for your medical expenses. While it’s true that some of the information may not be admissible in court, they can be handy when negotiating a settlement.
See your doctor ASAP
Even if you feel that your injuries are not severe, you should see your doctor immediately so that a medical documentation can be established.
Remember, some injuries will not be visible right away, but the doctor will know what to check for.
Do what the doctor says
Trust us, the defendant will find out what kind of treatment the doctor prescribed. If there’s evidence that you didn’t follow doctor’s orders, the defendant’s lawyer could claim that you aggravated the injuries.
Take photos of the scene of the injury and the injuries themselves
Because personal injury lawsuits can take months or even years to go to trial, it’s crucial that your injuries be preserved in photos.
Also, go back to the scene of the incident and photograph it from a variety of angles. Time is of the essence with this. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall incident on a dangerous stairway, for example, it’s imperative that the scene be photographed before it can be repaired. Photographs are a good way to preserve evidence.
Injured by Someone Else’s Negligence? Call Barber & Associates, LLC
If your life has been impacted by the negligence of someone else, you need skilled legal representation for proper compensation.
Call Barber & Associates, LLC at 907-276-5858 or get in touch via email.