After a car crash occurs, safety must be your first concern. Once you have either called 911 because someone needs immediate medical treatment or established that emergency services are not necessary, you can turn your attention to creating a record of the situation.
Preserving evidence of the scene in the immediate aftermath of the accident can help you avoid legal disputes and support any claims you might file. It can also eliminate the need to rely solely on memory and, therefore, bolster your credibility in court.
Using photography
As soon as possible, photograph the accident and surrounding area. Remember to take pictures from all angles. As well, photograph any damages to your property and your body.
In addition to getting a general view of the scene, focus on specifics such as weather and road conditions. Take pictures of people and objects, such as witnesses and traffic signs, near the scene. You might need to get close-ups of the damage to the vehicles and objects involved.
Taking notes
As well as taking accident scene photographs, you should take notes about the events. Record the location of the accident, along with the date and time, and include the names of the drivers who are present.
Noting the names of witnesses and documenting any conversations that occurred is also helpful. Write down contact information, such as addresses and phone numbers, and insurance information of the other drivers involved. Remember to describe how you feel, both mentally and physically, due to the injuries you received.
Continuing to record
Keep in mind that some types of damages will not be immediately apparent. For instance, a collision’s impact could cause a soft tissue injury or traumatic brain injury, in which case your symptoms might not appear until hours or days later. Continue to take pictures of your injuries during the healing process.
Just as you are vigilant while you drive, continue to be observant after an accident in case there are further issues or injuries to document.