The Necessity In Preserving Post-Car Accident Evidence

By Jonathan Fashbaugh

The least known and most crucial step in preserving evidence after a car accident is to collect as much information as possible immediately following the car accident. By collecting such information at the time, you are helping preserve evidence that may be lost, or more difficult to collect, later on in your car accident claim.

The following information could prove critical to a satisfactory resolution in a car accident claim you may wish to pursue:

ท Names and contact information of drivers

ท Names and contact information of the vehicles� registered owners

ท Driver's license numbers

ท Names and contact information of all passengers

ท Names and contact information of any witnesses

ท Names of drivers� insurance companies and policy numbers

ท The location of the car accident

ท How the car accident occurred (you should write this down with as much detail as possible while your memory remains fresh)

ท Your impression of whether any of the drivers seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the reasons for your suspicions (red eyes, slurred speech, lack of balance, etc.)

ท A description of all injuries and damage to vehicles and property

ท The names of police officers that responded to the scene

ท Whether anyone claimed responsibility for the accident

ท If you have a camera, take many photographs of the scene of the accident and of your injuries

As in most car accident claims, it will be in your best interest to obtain skilled legal representation by an attorney that specializes in car accident cases. You should also limit the information you share with anyone other than your attorney to the first three items in the list above. Do not admit any responsibility for the accident to anyone at the scene, as evidence recovered later may prove you to not be at fault.

If you have been involved in an accident in Maine and have legal questions, don�t hesitate to contact experienced car accident attorneys.