What Evidence Do I Need for a Mississippi Car Crash Claim?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Mississippi, you likely feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Pursuing a personal injury claim can seem complicated, but knowing what evidence to collect can make a big difference.
Our team is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at 228-436-6555 to set up a consultation with our team in Biloxi or Pascagoula.
Tangible Evidence
Tangible evidence includes any physical items that support your claim. One of the most important things you can do is photograph the scene in detail. Take clear pictures of the accident scene, your car’s damage, and any visible injuries. Videos can also be useful, offering a more complete view of what happened. Be sure to make backups of any videos and photos you take.
You may also want to document the scene around the crash if there was significant damage to public property or nearby buildings. For example, skid marks on the road can indicate the direction of both vehicles and the speed of the at-fault vehicle.
Don’t forget about any physical items that were damaged in the accident, like your cell phone or personal belongings in the car. These can also be documented as part of your claim.
Key Records and Documents
Collecting key records and documents is crucial after a car accident in Mississippi. One of the most important documents you’ll need is the police report. This official record provides a detailed account of the accident, including information about all parties involved and any citations given. This can be very helpful in proving what happened.
Medical bills and reports are also vital. These documents show the extent of your injuries and the treatments you’ve received. They help establish a direct link between the accident and your medical costs.
If you missed work because of the accident, make sure to keep records of your lost wages. Get documentation from your employer to show how much income you’ve lost due to your injuries. This can be important for proving the financial impact the accident has had on you.
Other useful documents include any communication you’ve had with insurance companies. Save copies of emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with your insurance company and the other party’s insurance. This can help keep track of what’s been discussed and agreed upon, particularly if the insurance company tries to backtrack on any of its promises.
Evidence from Third Parties
Third-party evidence can be very important in a car accident claim. Witnesses who saw the accident can provide statements that support your case. It’s crucial to get their contact information at the scene so they can later provide a detailed account of what they saw.
Expert witnesses can also be invaluable. These professionals have specialized knowledge that can explain complex aspects of your case. For instance, an accident reconstruction expert can analyze the scene and explain how the crash happened. This can be especially helpful if there’s any dispute about who was at fault. A medical expert can provide insights into your injuries, explaining how they were caused by the accident and discussing your long-term prognosis.
Additionally, sometimes video footage from nearby traffic cameras or security cameras can be used as third-party evidence. This footage can offer an unbiased view of the accident and can be very persuasive.
Lastly, statements from emergency responders, like paramedics or firefighters, can also support your claim. These individuals often arrive shortly after an accident and can provide an objective account of the scene and any immediate injuries they observed.
Your Personal Contributions
Your personal input can greatly support your car accident claim. One effective method is to keep a journal about your injuries and their impact on your daily life. Write down details about your pain, emotional distress, and any difficulties you face in performing routine activities. This journal can provide a detailed account of how the accident has affected you over time.
You should also document any time you’ve had to take off work due to your injuries. Keep records from your employer showing the days missed and the income lost. This information can be vital for proving the financial impact the accident has had on your life.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Gardner Law Group
We understand that this may be one of the most difficult things you have ever experienced, but you do not have to go through it alone. Call Gardner Law Group at 228-436-6555 or reach out online to start the personal injury claim process now.