What Kind of Evidence Is Used in a Car Accident Case?
If you are planning to file a car accident claim in Alabama, it’s vital to know what kind of evidence you need to present in order to substantiate your claim and establish the fault of the other party. The more evidence you can present in support of your claim, the better are your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Given below is a list of the types of evidence that is typically used to support a car accident claim in Alabama.
Police Report
Right after the accident, it is critical to file a report with the police and obtain a copy of the same. While the report is not admissible in court, your committed Alabama car accident attorney might be able to use it to gain leverage in settlement negotiations and try to get the maximum possible compensation from the insurance company.
Photographs Taken at the Accident Scene
This is a piece of evidence that you can gather by yourself – right after the accident. The pictures you take can help you prove how the accident happened and what kind of injuries you suffered. Ideally, you should take pictures (in different angles) of the following things:
- Your injuries
- Damage to your vehicle
- Damage to the at-fault party’s vehicle
- Damage to your personal belongings
- Damage to public properties near the accident scene (if any)
- Road condition
- Traffic signs and landmarks nearby
Report from an Accident Reconstruction Expert
If the accident involved multiple vehicles or if it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the accident, your Alabama car accident attorney might seek the help of an accident reconstruction expert – who can review the accident scene and figure out how the accident happened. The expert’s report is a valuable piece of evidence that you can present to support your claim.
Witness Statements
Statements from neutral third parties who witnessed the accident can strengthen your case against the at-fault party to a great extent. So, make sure you get the contact information of witnesses at the accident scene.
Medical Records
Your medical records can play a vital role in establishing the validity of your claim and justifying your demand for compensation. Make sure you preserve all the records and reports that contain information pertaining to your injuries, the treatments you received, whether you might need treatment in the future, and whether your injuries have left you with a physical or cognitive disability.
Medical Bills
The cost of your treatment and rehabilitation is one of the key factors that can determine the amount of compensation you can recover from the at-fault party. So, make sure you preserve all your medical bills, prescriptions, receipts for medications, assistive tools, and other items associated with your treatment.
Pay Stubs, Tax Returns, and Statement from Your Employer
Your pay stubs and tax returns can prove how much you used to earn prior to your injuries and the amount of income you have lost as a result of your injuries. The statement from your employer can prove how much you have lost in terms of commissions, bonuses, and other benefits as a result of not being able to work.
Reports from Medical and Vocational Experts
If you are permanently disabled as a result of your injuries, it is important to obtain a report from a medical expert – stating how your disability restricts your ability to work – and a report from a vocational expert – stating how much you stand to lose in terms of wages, commissions, bonuses, and other benefits in the long term. These reports can go a long way in helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Property Damage Estimates
You can also submit your vehicle repair estimate and the cost of repairing or replacing your personal belongings along with the aforementioned evidence to maximize the value of your claim and get an adequate amount of restitution from the insurance company.
Looking for an Experienced Alabama Car Accident Attorney to Handle Your Claim?
At Smith Law Firm, we know what kind of evidence is needed to establish the fault of the defendant in a car accident claim. Our in-depth understanding of Alabama personal injury laws and our extensive trial experience allow us to negotiate with the insurance company from a position of strength and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Remember – Alabama follows the pure contributory negligence doctrine, under which you cannot receive any compensation if you are found to be at fault for the accident – even to a minor extent. So, you can expect the at-fault party’s insurance company to blame you for the accident – just so they can get away with paying nothing.
We can build a compelling case against the at-fault party, counter their allegations against you, establish their negligence, and fight hard to get every dollar of restitution you are entitled to.
To discuss your claim with one of our seasoned Alabama car accident lawyers, call us today at 334-702-1744 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.
