The Importance of Documenting Evidence in Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Many people are shocked and confused after a car accident, so they might not know what steps to take next. However, even at this disorienting time, you should work to protect yourself and any compensation claim you might be eligible to file. One of the most critical factors in your quest to maximize your claim is the thorough documentation of evidence. Understanding why evidence in car accident cases is important and what you need to collect can help you know what to do after a crash.

Why It’s Important to Document Evidence in Texas Motor Vehicle Accidents

After you are involved in a car accident, you should collect evidence regardless of who you believe is at fault. Even if you think you did something to cause the crash, an investigation might prove that another party was to blame. This is important because Texas is an at-fault state for car insurance purposes. As such, your compensation claim will depend on your ability to prove that the other driver caused the accident.

Because the local authorities will begin to clean up the accident scene soon afterward, you should work swiftly to collect the necessary evidence before it disappears. Failing to do so can make it more challenging to determine what occurred and who is liable.

What Evidence Do I Need to Collect After a Car Accident?

Unless your injuries or other circumstances prevent you from doing so, you should aim to collect the following evidence after a crash:

• Photos – Use your smartphone or other camera to take pictures of the accident scene from all angles. Also, take photos of any visible injuries.
• Videos – Taking videos of an accident scene can paint a fuller picture of the aftermath.
• Witness information – Write the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident. Their testimony may prove vital to your claim.
• Physical evidence – Vehicle parts, skid marks, and damaged personal items from the accident can help investigators determine what happened.
• Police report – The police officer responding to your accident might complete a report detailing the circumstances and may give their opinion about who is to blame.

Challenges in Documenting Evidence

Obtaining evidence after an accident can sometimes be challenging, especially if you have sustained significant injuries. If you’re too injured to gather this info yourself at the scene, go back later or ask a friend to collect the above documentation. Either way, you should consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Texas as soon as possible. They will have the resources to obtain the available evidence you need for a solid case.

Contact an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer for Help

The attorneys at Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC have over 30 years of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered injuries in Texas motor vehicle accidents. Our skilled lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation into the crash that caused your injuries and use the evidence we collect to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free case review.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...