Between possible injuries, dealing with authorities, and the sheer stress of the situation, car accidents are incredibly overwhelming, especially for the injured.
After the chaos subsides, it is easy to forget crucial details that could make a difference in your car accident compensation. Documenting the scene and outcome of the crash can catch those otherwise lost details, ensuring they make it safely to your accident claim.
Capture the scene
A smartphone can be your ally in documenting a car accident. Take multiple photos from various angles, capturing:
- Overall scene: Vehicles positions, skid marks, traffic lights, surrounding landmarks
- Vehicle damage: Dents, frame damage, scratches, broken parts
- Road conditions: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, surface damage
Remember to note the weather at the time, particularly if it could have contributed to the accident.
Gather information
The more detailed and complete your accident claim is, the likelier you will receive fair compensation. If your injuries allow, gather the following information.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, and driver’s license information with all involved
- Get insurance company names, contact information and policy numbers for all involved
If there are bystanders who witnessed the accident, politely ask for their contact details and a brief account of what they saw. Their perspective can be invaluable in supporting your account of the events.
Louisiana is an at-fault car accident state – demonstrating that another driver caused your crash is critical in obtaining just compensation. Toward that end, no evidence or detail is too insignificant to consider when identifying fault, especially in the hands of someone familiar with the nuances of car accident claims.