In auto accidents, as in every other area of the law, there’s no substitute for evidence. Every statement and claim must be proven before it is accepted by the courts. It’s an evidence-driven system.
That’s why we always preach the importance of documenting an accident to our Los Angeles-area clients. There are a lot of things you should do after an auto accident, but documentation is one of the most important.
What do we mean by “documenting your accident?” A few things:
- Take photos of the scene. Don’t put yourself in any danger, and don’t interfere with any efforts by emergency personnel, but try and get photos of the vehicles involved, as well as any damage to the surrounding environment. Photos taken by your phone are just fine.
- Request and keep copies of any paperwork or documentation generated after your accident. This includes police reports, accident records and medical records
Basically, if there’s any doubt in your mind as to whether a given picture or record are worth holding on to, hold on to it. It’s far better to err on the side of gathering too much evidence than to find yourself wishing you had some crucial record months down the road.
If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident in the Torrance, California area, please call Kirtland & Packard, LLP today at 310-536-1000 for a free consultation.