Common Evidence in a San Marcos Car Accident Claim
Traffic crashes occur with some frequency in San Marcos and throughout North County. Some motor vehicle accidents are minor, resulting in only property damage and no physical injuries. Other collisions can be devastating, resulting in debilitating and deadly injuries for vehicle occupants, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Many people who sustain injuries in car accidents in San Marcos will initially seek compensation by filing an insurance claim, which a lawyer can help with by negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement. In many cases, car accident victims must file civil lawsuits against the liable party or parties in order to seek full compensation for their losses.
When filing an insurance claim or a car accident lawsuit in North County San Diego, what kind of evidence will you need to support your case? Evidentiary needs will depend on the specific details of your case, but the following are some of the more common forms of evidence that are used in North County car accident claims.
1. Police Report From the Accident
A police report from the accident is one of the most common forms of evidence used in a car crash claim. While police do not need to be called to the scene of a crash for minor accidents with limited property damage, it is important to call 911 for any accidents in which anyone may have been injured or serious damage occurred, so that a police report can be filed.
2. Photos and Videos From the Scene of the Crash (Taken at or Just After the Time of the Accident)
If you are physically able to take photos and videos on your phone just after the collision, this evidence can be extremely helpful in your San Marcos auto accident case. Images and video taken at or just after the time of the crash can help to show how, when, and where the collision happened, and that evidence can also be used by an accident reconstruction expert.
3. Witness Statements
Witnesses who saw the crash occur, or who saw the defendant consuming alcohol prior to driving, for example, or texting while driving, can be extremely strong evidence in a car accident case.
4. Medical Records
Car accident cases where the plaintiff is seeking damages for personal injuries must include medical records. This is a crucial form of evidence. As such, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after any accident in order to be properly assessed and treated for injuries.
5. Cell Phone Data
Cell phone data, or smartphone data, will usually only be useful in car accidents caused by distracted driving. Yet in a collision where distracted driving was the primary causal factor, cell phone data can be essential evidence in the case. This type of evidence can show that the defendant was texting or talking on the phone, for example, at the time of the crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 3,300 people are killed and more than 360,000 injured in distracted driving accidents every year.
Contact Our San Marcos Car Accident Lawyers Today for Assistance
The prospect of filing a car accident claim can feel frustrating and confusing, but one of the experienced San Marcos car accident lawyers at our firm can assist you. Whether you need initial help with your insurance claim and negotiating a fair payout with the auto insurance company, or you are ready to file a lawsuit and need experienced legal counsel on your side, we are here to help. Contact North County Injury Lawyers today to learn more about how we can assist you with your San Marcos car accident case.