Florida car accident evidence can disappear quickly after an incident. Surveillance footage gets taped over, eyewitnesses' memories fade; every second you wait to start building your personal injury claim, the weaker it gets. Not gathering the right evidence can have a negative effect on your ability to get a fair recovery for your damages.
Why Florida Car Accident Evidence Is Key To Your Claim
In a personal injury claim, your word isn’t enough to secure you a settlement; you need strong evidence. Documentation, such as photos of the scene and witness statements, can make all the difference in proving fault and the extent of your injuries. The more thorough and organized your evidence, the stronger your case becomes when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your claim in court.
Commonly Overlooked Evidence That Strengthens Your Case
When you think of gathering evidence at the scene of an accident, you may think of taking pictures of the vehicles involved, talking to anyone who may have witnessed the incident happen, or seeing if there were any nearby surveillance cameras that caught the incident unfold. While you should always do those things, there are also other forms of accident evidence you can collect to help bolster your claim.
The following are three types of widely overlooked accident evidence:
Vehicle Black Box Data
Black boxes are in almost every car on the road today. They record crucial data about your vehicle’s operation before and during the crash. This includes your vehicle's speed, braking application, and steering input.
Prompt and Consistent Medical Care
Let’s say you don’t seek medical treatment as soon as possible following an accident and then file a personal injury claim. The at-fault party’s insurance company can use this as an excuse to say your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim them to be and, therefore, they shouldn’t give you the settlement you deserve. They will try to make the same excuse if you also don’t keep up with your medical treatment.
The Traffic Crash Report
When a car accident occurs and police are called, they will arrive, survey the scene, ask questions of all involved parties, and then write a traffic crash report. If you were in a car accident and are looking for a copy of your traffic crash report, you can get it here. The traffic crash report can be a key piece of evidence in your personal injury claim because it will list the name and address of everyone involved, including that of eyewitnesses.
FAQ: What if the traffic crash report lists me as the at-fault driver? Do I still have a claim?
Yes, just because the traffic crash report lists you as “Vehicle 1” (the at-fault driver) does not bar you from making a personal injury claim. The policemen listed you as the at-fault driver because that was their opinion at the time they made the report, but they don’t have the final say in this matter. A Florida car accident lawyer can help you collect evidence and build your claim against the true at-fault party to secure a fair settlement.
How to Collect and Preserve Critical Evidence
Collecting evidence after a car accident in Florida is much simpler with the help of an attorney. An experienced lawyer knows exactly what types of evidence can make or break your case, from traffic camera footage and police reports to medical records and witness statements. They can act quickly to preserve this information before it’s lost or destroyed, ensuring your claim stays strong. With an attorney handling the details, you can focus on recovering while they focus on building the solid foundation your case needs.
When to Contact a Lawyer for Help Gathering Proof
A lawyer will be able to help you collect Florida car accident evidence to bolster your claim.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash and need help building your claim, don’t waste any time. Call Hancock Injury Attorneys at 813-915-1110 or contact us through our online form. Our experienced team of legal professionals will help you understand your options moving forward, connect you with trusted doctors, and fight for the compensation you deserve.