3 Ways to Preserve Evidence

When filing a personal injury claim, it is imperative to provide evidence that proves that the opposing party was responsible for your injuries.  Retaining and preserving physical evidence from the accident is important in ensuring that you receive your rightful compensation. Physical evidence is anything tangible that a judge can read or look at to support your case. Physical evidence includes pictures of the accident scene, police reports, witnesses’ statements (if any), and medical records.

How to Preserve Your Evidence?

Take Pictures:  Although taking pictures can sometimes be difficult, especially if the injuries you have sustained are severe, do your best to take pictures at the scene.  Take photos of any injuries on your body, damaged or bloody clothing, the incident scene, and whatever caused your injury. This should be done when the accident scene is still fresh and nothing has been moved or altered.

Get witnesses' statements:  Be sure to get the witnesses' statements before they leave the scene. Also, get their contact information such as full names, addresses, and phone numbers. Get this information sooner rather than later. If you wait until everyone has left the scene to gather your witnesses' statements, they may not be able to give accurate information or may be hard to reach. 

Get medical records: Obtaining medical records is crucial for a personal injury claim. Medical information will include paramedic reports, doctor's and nurse's notes, lab results and your physicians follow-up diagnosis and prognosis. These will help prove that you actually incurred injuries and that the opposing party acted irresponsibly and were the cause of your injuries. In addition, the records will also help in determining compensations due to you.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone else's negligent or irresponsible actions, seek the help of an experienced attorney. This will help you to make your personal injury claim on time. Of course, your attorney will also help you through the process.