Even though the crash has already occurred, the scene of a car accident can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, drivers who are passing through are not always as careful or patient as they should be. Bad weather only adds to the uncertainty for those involved in the crash and other drivers in the area.
While most victims are focused on their injuries and safety, they may also think about collecting evidence that may help them later when they file a claim. However, it is very important to be cautious when collecting evidence. Keep in mind, your safety is still the top priority.
Phillips Law Group discusses how to safely collect evidence for a potential claim for compensation. However, no matter how much or little evidence you collect, our Phoenix car accident lawyers may still be able to help you. Call our offices today to schedule a free case evaluation. If we take on your claim, you do not pay us anything until you receive compensation.
Staying Out of Harm’s Way
One of the most important things crash victims can do is get their vehicles out of harm’s way, provided it is safe to move your car. You want to reduce the risk of a passing car hitting yours and causing further damage and potentially more injuries. This is particularly important if the crash happened on an interstate where cars are traveling at high speed. Pull over onto the shoulder and out of the flow of traffic.
You should only get out of your car if it is safe to do so. Sometimes there is a lot of room on the shoulder to stop your car and get out ”“ there may be several feet between the driver’s side or passenger side of your car and the nearest lane of moving traffic. However, sometimes there is very little room and on oncoming driver who is not paying attention could drift over and hit you.
If your injuries allow, and you will not be putting yourself in harm’s way, get out of the car and take pictures of both vehicles. You can also photograph any visible injuries. Photograph road or weather conditions that may have played a role in the crash.
Another important tip is to stay calm. The other driver may get angry with you, even if he or she is the one at fault for the crash. You do not want to feed into that by getting angry with them. By staying calm, you may also be able to exchange information with the other driver.
If the other driver gets out of his or her car before you do and starts yelling in your direction, lock the door and stay in the car. Avoid eye contact, as the other driver may feel threatened and try to spark a verbal or physical altercation. Wait for the police to arrive and help defuse the situation.
Keep an eye out for witnesses, such as the drivers of other cars who stop to offer help. Ask for their contact information and take notes on your conversation. People can quickly forget important details about a situation, so you want to find out what they saw while it is still fresh in their memory.
Waiting for First Responders
Aside from filling out a traffic crash report or issuing citations, law enforcement officers also try to help keep the involved parties safe. For example, they may:
- Stop or re-route the flow of traffic
- Warn other drivers of possible road hazards connected to an accident scene
- Deal with agitated parties
- Restrain a person who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Documentation of Car Accident Damages
There are several things you should hold onto throughout the claims process, such as:
- Medical bills or receipts
- Receipts for repairs to property
- Invoices for any personal services or medical assistance
Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Attorney
Experienced attorneys not only know what type of evidence needs to be collected after a car accident, they also know what needs to be done to build a strong case.
At Phillips Law Group, we have nearly 30 years of experience representing car crash victims throughout Arizona and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
When you hire our firm there is no cost to you unless you receive compensation. The initial case evaluation is also free.
Call us today at 602-222-2222
