While evidence of fault can be uncovered during an investigation into an accident, victims can also begin creating and gathering evidence by taking certain steps in the minutes, hours, days, and weeks following an auto accident in Atlanta.
Initially after a car accident, victims can gather evidence by reporting a collision to law enforcement, taking pictures, and getting medical care in Atlanta. In the following days and weeks, victims can compile additional evidence by continuing to seek medical care from specialists and contacting eyewitnesses to get their statements. During this time, victims can also look for possible surveillance camera footage of an accident and begin keeping track of their financial losses, such as medical bills and lost income. Victims might benefit from visiting a therapist to document pain and suffering as they recover from injuries in Atlanta.
To schedule an appointment for a confidential and free evaluation of your case, call the Atlanta, GA car accident lawyers at Howe Law now at (844) 876-4357.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim Right After an Atlanta, GA Car Accident
There are at least three things victims can do immediately after an auto accident in Atlanta to start gathering evidence against an at-fault driver: call the police, take photos, and go to the closest hospital. Not creating such fundamental evidence might negatively impact your future case against a defendant.
Call 911
Any car accident that results in injury must be reported to police officers in Atlanta. Victims can call 911 to request emergency assistance from local law enforcement and medical personnel. Police officers will create a report for your collision, which our Atlanta, GA personal injury lawyers can obtain in the future to gain information about your case. This is an opportunity to document your auto accident and confirm the identities of any involved parties.
Take Pictures
Victims can also immediately take photos of their injuries and property damage. Photos of accident scenes can help experts, judges, and juries, better understand how an accident occurred in Atlanta. If you can’t take photos because your injuries are too severe, eyewitnesses or first responders might do so on your behalf.
Visit the Emergency Room
Getting emergency medical care is necessary after sustaining injuries in an auto accident in Atlanta. Doing so establishes that you were injured and creates documentation of the cause of your damages. Even if your injuries do not appear extreme or you appear uninjured, go to the nearest hospital after a collision.
Gathering Evidence that Supports Your Claim in the Weeks Following a Car Accident in Atlanta, GA
In the days and weeks following a car accident in Atlanta, you can take several steps to gather additional evidence against the driver responsible for causing your injuries. This includes going to medical specialists, contacting eyewitnesses, looking for video footage, keeping records of damages, and even speaking with a therapist.
Go to Medical Specialists
Many common car accident injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, require specialized care. If advised to do so by doctors, victims should visit specialists following an accident. Not only will doing so allow you to get the proper treatment to heal from your injuries, but it will continue to establish the severity of your injuries and build clear evidence of your damages. Victims should keep all appointments and adhere to their treatment plans while recovering from an auto accident in Atlanta.
Contact Eyewitnesses
Speaking with eyewitnesses at an accident site is not always feasible for victims with serious injuries in Atlanta. After learning of eyewitnesses’ contact information from the police report for your accident, our Georgia personal injury lawyers can get in touch with witnesses. Their testimony can be used as evidence to strengthen your case and prove a negligent driver’s fault in Atlanta. Eyewitness might have other useful information that can further strengthen your case, such as photos.
Look for Video Footage
It is not uncommon for car accidents to be filmed by surveillance cameras or witnesses in Atlanta. Victims can source video footage by contacting local business owners or homeowners near an accident site and by reaching out to witnesses. While less likely, traffic camera footage of your accident could be available. To inquire about such footage, victims can contact the local police department or the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Keep Records of Damages
In addition to gathering evidence that proves a defendant’s fault, plaintiffs must also provide proof of their damages. This is possible by keeping careful track of all financial losses you have incurred in the aftermath of an auto accident in Atlanta. This includes keeping records of medical bills and invoices from all visits with medical professionals. Because lost wages are compensable in Atlanta lawsuits, victims should also keep track of any income they have missed out on while healing from their injuries. Victims might incur other out-of-pocket expenses, such as childcare and transportation costs, depending on their specific situation. Documenting those damages is necessary as well.
Speak with a Therapist
Compensation for pain and suffering is often more challenging to recover than compensation for financial losses. Because of this, it might benefit victims to speak with a therapist following a car accident. Testimony from a mental health care provider can demonstrate the emotional toll that the injuries you sustained in an auto accident have had on your life, providing the opportunity for greater non-economic damages in Atlanta. Not only can this strengthen your claim, but it can also provide you with crucial emotional support during the healing process. Keeping a personal account of your mental struggles in a journal or confiding in close friends and family who then testify on your behalf can have a similar effect.
File Your Atlanta, GA Car Accident Claim Today
To schedule a free case review with our Georgia car accident lawyers, call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
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