In legal terms, evidence is information supporting the existence of a fact. Examples of evidence can include testimony, documents, photographs, and videos.
Although evidence can be disputed, you won’t be able to prevail in any type of insurance claim or civil complaint without evidence. That’s why knowing how to document damages from a car accident is important.
The evidence you gather about your Seattle car accident can be used by the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, to support a potential claim. The only way to evaluate the merits of your claim is to review the evidence. That begins with the official collision report.
Following the Law
Although no one wants to get in an accident, the best-case scenario would be a minor fender bender where motorists agree that there isn’t enough damage to warrant a claim. Even if the damages are minor, the drivers might decide to handle it independently.
In those instances, you can exchange information or cash on the spot and call it even.
However, if an accident causes any injury or a $1,000+ in damages, you must report the accident within four days of the collision. That is not just a recommendation; it’s Seattle law.
The only exception is if a police officer or state highway patrol officer reports to the scene. In that case, they will create and file the collision report. If no police officer reports to the scene, you can report your accident online through the Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting (OMVCR) portal.
Whether you or the police file the report, you have to include the following information:
- The collision date
- The number of vehicles involved
- Whether the vehicles were moving or not
- Whether the collision resulted in any injury or fatality
- Accident report number
It is important to note that the information provided in the collision report is just the above facts about who was involved in the accident. It does not detail who caused the accident.
That might be part of a police report.
Collecting Evidence at the Scene
As well as the collision report, you’ll also want to gather evidence for your insurance claim.
Some of the most important evidence you’ll collect from a Seattle car accident is what you’ll get at the scene. That begins with photos and videos you can take at the scene. That evidence checklist should include shots of the following:
- Wide shot of the entire scene
- Car damages, especially the point of impact
- Tire skid marks
- Street signs
- Traffic lights
- Weather conditions
- Visibility conditions
- Road conditions
- Injuries
- Dented guardrails or any other physical evidence
In addition to your photo and video evidence, you’ll also want to make copies of all your medical records, starting with the first trip to the emergency room. You also want to include your doctor’s write-ups, treatment recommendations, and prescriptions. You must also include copies of your pay stubs or direct deposit to verify lost wages.
This information can be presented to the first case evaluation consultant you set up with a Seattle car accident attorney. They will then determine if your case has merit.
Reporting Damages from an Uninsured Driver
The Washington State Department of Licensing requires every driver to carry liability insurance. That policy has to include the following minimums:
- $25,000 of bodily injury or death of 1 person in any one accident.
- $50,000 of bodily injury or death of any two people in any one accident.
- $10,000 of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
Unfortunately, not every driver follows the law. If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver and they fail to pay for damages, you can file a report with the Motor Vehicle Claim for Damages within 180 days of the collision. After filing the report, the state might suspend their driving privileges. That could motivate them to pay what they owe you.
Building Your Case
The evidence you collect relating to your car accident can be used in support of your claim.
The stronger the evidence, the more likely you can achieve the maximum financial settlement you are entitled to. You’ll benefit from speaking with the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC to increase your chances of getting that compensation.
We have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and litigating a civil complaint. We can also help you gather evidence you might not have access to, such as surveillance videos from traffic cams or nearby properties.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
