Accidents happen fast. One moment, you’re driving down the street. The next, you’re hurt and wondering what just happened. It can be scary and confusing. It’s hard to think straight. Getting a clear picture of the chain of events feels impossible. But don’t worry. Even if you miss things at the scene, it is still possible to gather evidence later with some help.
What you can do at the scene
Right after a crash, there are a few key pieces of evidence you can try to gather if you are able to do so safely:
- Photos: Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles. Photograph the location, traffic signals and weather conditions.
- Driver information: Get the names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information from all drivers involved.
- Your memory: Write down or make an audio recording of everything you remember about the crash. Include what happened before, during and after. Details fade quickly, so do this as soon as possible.
This information can help create a basic record of the incident.
Evidence you can gather later
Even if you can’t collect everything at the scene, you can still secure evidence afterward with the help of professionals like an attorney, accident reconstructionists and others. These parties can investigate the accident and gather more detailed information from:
- Surveillance video: Nearby businesses or residents might have cameras that captured the crash. Other drivers may have dash cam footage to share.
- Cell phone records: These can show if someone was using their phone at the time of the accident.
- Physical evidence: Accident reconstructionists can examine vehicle damage, skidmarks and other physical clues to understand what happened.
Teaming up with professionals helps you piece together the details of the crash, providing a clearer picture of the events.
Putting all the pieces together
While evidence collected at the scene of a car crash can be invaluable, other pieces of the puzzle may be available later through additional investigations. Knowing this and reaching out for help can make it easier to gather all available evidence while you focus on your recovery.
