What Information Should I Gather at the Scene of the Accident?
In 2023, the Sunshine State experienced 716,415 traffic crashes, with 20,319 of these being self-reported. Following a crash, you will want to get basic information at the accident scene to streamline the claims process. Our car accident lawyers in Tampa provide the key information to gather at the accident scene and explain how we can help you recover the maximum compensation for your claim.
Names of Drivers and Passengers
In the aftermath of a crash, it is essential to get the other driver’s name and the names of all passengers. If, for some reason, you have to self-report the crash, you will want to have all this information.
Vehicle Registration and Insurance Information
Collecting this information is essential when filing a bodily injury claim or property damage claim. Taking pictures of these documents ensures that you will obtain the information accurately, eliminating the risk of missing anything when your adrenaline is rushing. Regarding insurance, be sure to capture the name of the insurance company and the driver’s policy number. Regarding vehicle registration, please note if the owner of the vehicle differs from the name of the driver.
Type of Vehicles Involved
It is essential to record the make, model, and year of any other vehicles involved in the event, as you may need this information later.
Details About the Crash
Information regarding how the accident occurred, including whether the other driver ran a red light or was speeding. You should also note if anyone is injured. In Florida, if anyone is injured or killed, or if property damage is at least $500, you must contact the police. While everything is still fresh in your mind, jot down a diagram of how the accident unfolded, including any role inadequate lighting may have played (such as a streetlamp being out), as well as the weather conditions. Details of the crash, along with the police report, can help to piece together what transpired.
Photograph or Video Evidence
Immediately following the accident, you should take photos of any vehicle debris, the final resting position of both cars, skid marks, and any other physical evidence. This type of evidence can help establish liability, which our Tampa car accident attorneys can do with the assistance of experts, such as accident reconstructionists.
Proving that liability lies solely with the other driver or drivers will enable you to recover the full value of your claim. A tip from our Tampa car accident lawyers: Take photos from various angles in different lighting. The more photos, the better!
If a bystander took a video of the accident itself, this can be an invaluable tool to show the crash occurring in real-time. However, video evidence in car accident cases is typically not available, so you may need to rely on still shots.
Witness Testimony
Witness testimony can be an asset, as it allows an impartial party to corroborate your version of events. If multiple witnesses back your version of the collision, then insurance is more likely to approve the entire worth of your claim.
Reach Out to Our Car Accident Lawyers Now
Florida law only permits injury victims two years to take their case to court. That timeline feels narrow if you've been getting the runaround from insurance. Unfortunately, in many cases, litigation is necessary to secure the compensation that is rightfully yours. If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a crash, our Tampa car accident attorneys are available to help. To learn the worth of your accident claim, contact Matthews Injury Law today online or by phone.