Our firm is often asked about personal injury auto case evidence. What pieces of evidence are important to gather?
In our opinion, the five most important items to gather as evidence in a personal injury auto case are:
- A narrative on the moments before the impact;
- The impact and a narrative about the impact;
- Details on the damage to the vehicles involved;
- A thorough outline of all of the discussions between the negligent driver and you; and
- A list of all of the unsafe things the negligent driver did.
Let’s take a closer look at each and how they impact your personal injury case in Ohio.
Moments Before
It is critical to outline all of the details of where you were moments before the impact and what you were doing. Also outline what the negligent driver was doing moments before the impact, based upon your view of what you saw. Make a list of all of the safe things that you were doing prior to the impact.
Impact
You should also outline what happened in the car when the impact occurred. As an example, outline whether you were thrown forward, whether you were thrown backwards, whether any part of your body hit any part of the inside of the car, and any damage to the interior of your car. Take pictures of any damage to the interior. It is also critical that you outline, in detail, how far your vehicle was pushed forward due to the impact with the other vehicle. Be sure to note how far your vehicle moved from the point of impact until it came to its final resting position. Do not move the vehicles from their final resting positions until the officer arrives and tells you to move the vehicles.
Damage to the Vehicles
It is critical to outline, in detail, through photographs and written notes, where the vehicles’ final resting positions were after the impact. Remember to take photographs that show all of the exterior and interior damage to all of the vehicles involved. It is critical that you show the officer all of the damage to your vehicle and ensure that the officer has had time to view all of the damage to all of the vehicles involved. It’s also wise to ask that the officer take photographs.
Discussions with the Negligent Driver
It is critical that you take notes outlining all of your discussions with the negligent driver after the wreck. Be a good listener. Oftentimes, the negligent driver will tell you what caused the wreck. Take notes on all admissions made by the negligent driver, including details about whether they were texting, using their phone, not paying attention, and any other acts that caused the wreck.
List of Unsafe Things
Immediately after the wreck, take notes that outline all of the unsafe things that the negligent driver did. For example, if the negligent driver failed to yield at a traffic light, failed to stop, or was not paying attention, make a note of all of these issues. Oftentimes, the most common unsafe things that negligent drivers do involve instances when they are distracted, not paying attention, or they are using their cell phones.
Contact Our Firm
Still have questions about personal injury auto case evidence? Give us a call at 614.488.2270 or fill out this form for more information about how we can help.
