When you’ve been hurt and want to receive compensation from someone else through a personal injury case, gathering the right evidence is critical to present the strongest case possible. The better the quality and quantity of evidence that you can present, the better odds you have of winning in Maryland car accident cases. Because the burden of proof falls on the injured party, you can’t afford to rush through evidence collection. What types of evidence are often used in car accident cases, and why are they important?
Police Reports
One of the first pieces of evidence in most Maryland car accident cases is the police report. When police officers respond to the scene, they will document details of the crash, including:
- Names and contact information of the drivers involved
- Descriptions of vehicles and visible damage
- Weather and road conditions
- Any traffic citations issued as a result of the accident
- Preliminary assessments of fault
Police reports are not always admissible in court as conclusive proof of fault or what happened, but they do give you a starting point and a strong foundation for your case.
Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses can provide you with critical, unbiased perspectives in Maryland car accident cases. For example, they may be able to say who had the green light or if the other driver appeared impaired. Collect the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident so that you can work with your attorney to obtain written or recorded statements.
Photographs and Videos
Videos and photographs are great examples of high-quality evidence in Maryland car accident cases. Photos or videos taken at the scene can capture:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks or debris
- Roadway conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- Injuries
- Factors that might not be remembered otherwise, like the sun setting or rain falling
If you’re able to safely do so, take pictures from multiple angles and document everything, no matter how minor it seems. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or dashcams can also be valuable for showing what happened from an objective perspective.
Medical Records
Medical documentation is another key component of personal injury claims in Maryland car accident cases. Your medical records can be used to demonstrate the extent of your injuries, show what treatments you received, and track your ongoing prognosis. They also help link your injuries directly to the accident. As a result, it’s critical that you:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash
- Follow all treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments
- Keep records of prescriptions, therapy, and rehabilitation
When you wait to seek treatment or don’t follow the treatment plan that your doctors provide you with, insurance companies or other parties can use that to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Expert Testimony
In more complex Maryland car accident cases, expert witnesses can provide specific types of insight, including:
- Accident reconstruction specialists who analyze evidence to explain how the crash happened
- Medical experts who can explain the nature and impact of your injuries
- Economic experts who estimate long-term financial losses, like lost earning capacity
Expert testimony can be critical to clarify technical details for the jury and support your compensation claims.
Vehicle Damage Reports
The condition of the cars involved in the accident can also provide clues about how the crash occurred. You can use evidence like:
- Vehicle damage estimates
- Post-accident inspection reports
- Airbag deployment data
- Black box (event data recorder) data
Partner with an Experienced Attorney at The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you are involved in a car accident, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultations are both available to clients.