The information you gather after an auto accident affects your subsequent claim. The information affects liability, injury, and damage determination. Gather as much information as you can to strengthen your claim. Below is relevant information you should gather after an auto accident.
Drivers' Information
Get information on all the drivers involved in the accident. Get the drivers' names, contacts, addresses, and insurance information. You will use the information to know who was involved in the accident and confirm whether they have insurance coverage.
Getting such information may be challenging if the drivers leave the accident scene before you talk to them or the police arrive. You may have to treat the accident as a hit-and-run and file a first-party insurance claim if you or the police fail to identify the drivers.
Witnesses' Information
Potential witnesses include everyone at the accident scene. Pedestrians, other drivers, and workers or occupiers of nearby properties are all potential witnesses. Include everyone who might have seen or heard any details of the crash. Talk to them and get their names and contact information.
Wait until the road is clear before approaching witnesses. Remember not to coerce the witnesses; you want them on your side, so you should only deal with willing ones.
Accident Date, Time, and Location
The location, date, and time confirm the accident's occurrence. You can also use these details together with other evidence to trace drivers who flee the accident scene before the police arrive. Even witnesses may be easier to locate if you know the accident's location and time.
Weather Information
Weather affects the risk of accidents and can affect liability determination too. For example, drivers should slow down and increase following distances in inclement weather with reduced visibility. Anyone who fails to do this may be liable for accidents their actions cause.
Police Information
The police usually show up at accident scenes if the accident causes serious injuries or damages. Except for those who need medical care, the law also expects everyone to stay at the accident scene until the police arrive. Get the name, badge number, and contact of the police for follow-up. That way, you can get a police report for your accident claim.
Hopefully, you will have everything you need to process your auto accident claim. Don't despair, however, if you cannot get all the information you need; for example, if you have to go to the hospital for emergency medical care. Contact an auto accident lawyer once you can. The lawyer will use the information to investigate the accident and process your claim.
