Important Information to Collect After a Car Accident

Car accidents range in severity from minor fender benders to devastating head-on collisions that involve serious injuries and fatalities. Because car accidents happen when you least expect it, they can be extremely stressful, particularly when the crash caused significant property damage and injuries. Oftentimes, the people involved in the accident are unsure about what to do immediately following the incident.

While some steps are obvious, like calling 911 if there are injuries involved, others may not occur to the individuals involved.

However, collecting important evidence from the accident scene can help ensure that you will recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Documenting Evidence

Unless you are injured, and physically unable to collect evidence or even move from your vehicle, it is important that you document as much information about the accident as soon as possible. Details can fade from your memory, so the sooner you are able to preserve evidence, the better.

Document the following information immediately following the accident:

• Collect information from other drivers involved. Be sure to ask for drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance policy numbers, and contact information.
• Note behaviors of the other driver. If you noticed the other driver engaging in unsafe driving behavior right before the crash, including texting, talking on the phone, or nodding off, write down exactly what you recall. In addition, if you smell alcohol or believe that the driver is under the influence of drugs, take note of that as well.
• Document the road conditions. If there was debris on the road, or inclement weather caused the roads to be slippery, take pictures of the accident scene, including pictures of the road.
• Take pictures of road signs. If there were safety signs, work area signs, or other signage in the vicinity of the crash, take pictures of them as well.
• Take pictures of skid marks. Skid marks on the road suggest that one of the vehicles slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting something. Pictures of the marks on the road will provide valuable evidence.
• Property damage. Be sure to also document the damage to the vehicles involved, as well as other property damage caused by the accident, including road signs that were knocked down, broken guardrails, and damaged curbs.
• Speak to witnesses. If there were other people in the area who may have seen the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement, and ask for their contact information.
• Take note of security cameras, or red light cameras that may have recorded the crash. If there are cameras installed in the traffic lights near the accident scene, or security cameras in nearby stores or private residences, they can provide valuable evidence about the accident.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect Victims of Car Accidents

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will walk you through the claims process and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Our dedicated team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will continue to fight for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.