If you have been in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, there are actions you should take at the accident scene to protect your health and right to compensation, namely, the collection of essential evidence. However, if your injuries prevent you or leaving your vehicle would place you in greater danger, do not attempt to move until help arrives. In those situations, ourFort Lauderdale car accident lawyers can step in to secure evidence for your claim, but what does that include? Continue reading to learn more.
Essential Car Accident Evidence for Your Claim
For a successful claim, you will need to prove negligence. That, in turn, requires evidence, such as the following:
Police Report
Your first action should be to your and your passengers’ safety. Once you have moved to a safe location, call 911. PerFlorida law, you must report any accident that results in injury, death, or $500 in property damage.
The police and emergency services will arrive, assess the situation, and render aid. The police report will contain vehicle information, the officer’s observations, and contact andinsurance information.
Police reports also carry weight with insurance companies and courts, as they represent a neutral, third-party account of the event. If the officer issues a citation to the other driver or notes evidence of impairment, distraction, or speeding, it can be critical to supporting your liability claim. Be sure to obtain a copy of the report as soon as it becomes available.
The Importance of Visual Evidence in a Car Accident Case
While at the accident scene, you should take photos of the car damage, your injuries, and the area, including anything you feel contributed to the accident. Images help to reinforce the injuries suffered and explain how the accident occurred.
If possible, you should also note if there were any cameras present, such as dashcams, traffic cameras, or business surveillance. OurFort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can subpoena that footage once you contact us.
Visual evidence can be especially valuable in cases involving disputed fault or complex intersections. Photos that show traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions, or obstructions can provide clarity when reconstructing the accident. Video footage from dashcams can also confirm speed, driver behavior, and sequence of events, making it difficult for the at-fault party to shift blame.
Vehicle, Insurance, and Contact Information
Whether you collect it before the police arrive or they do, you should try to collect the following information:
- Name, insurance, and contact information from the other driver
- Vehicle information, such as make, model, color, and license plate number
- Name and contact information of any witnesses
This information will be essential when pursuing compensation.
You should also make note of any identifying details, such as company logos or DOT numbers if the vehicle involved is a commercial truck. Higher policy limits may cover commercial drivers and fleet vehicles and may involve separate layers of liability.
Witnesses are often overlooked but can play a vital role in supporting your version of events. Independent eyewitnesses with no connection to either party are especially persuasive. Ask them for a written or recorded statement, or provide their contact info to your attorney for follow-up.
Medical Records
If you do not go to the hospital with EMS, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. They can diagnose your injuries and start a treatment program. These records, including your medical bills and invoices, will demonstrate the severity of your condition.
We also recommend keeping a journal of your recovery. Note when you see doctors, the medications you take, the treatments you do, how you feel, and what progress you experience.
Medical documentation is the cornerstone of any injury claim. It must establish a connection between your injuries and the accident. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider that the crash occurred so they can include it in your records. Insurers often use delays in treatment or gaps in care to minimize payouts.
Also, request records from every provider you see, including physical therapists, chiropractors, orthopedic specialists, or mental health professionals. Psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are just as real as physical ones and are compensable under Florida law.
Repair Estimates From a Qualified Mechanic
Have your vehicle taken to a qualified repair shop to assess the damage. They can generate an estimate for repairs or tell you if the vehicle is atotal loss.
Any receipts, bills, estimates, records, invoices, photos, and notes related to your case should be kept organized together.
Be cautious of early offers from insurance adjusters that are based solely on visual inspections. Hidden damage, such as frame misalignment or mechanical failure, may not be immediately apparent. A certified mechanic’s report will carry greater weight in a property damage claim.
If your car is declared a total loss, additional evidence such as your vehicle’s market value, upgrade history, and pre-accident condition can influence your compensation. Our team can help ensure your settlement reflects the full replacement cost.
Do Not Admit Fault
You want to avoid saying anything that could be seen as admitting fault. Don’t even say you’re sorry. These simple, innocuous statements can be used against you to devalue or deny your claim. Instead, please contact our law firm, and we will speak with the insurance company on your behalf.
Even well-meaning statements made at the scene can be misconstrued. Stick to factual responses when speaking with law enforcement or the other driver. Do not speculate on what happened or offer theories. Your legal team will review all evidence and build a straightforward narrative that supports your case.
Documenting Lost Income and Other Financial Losses
If your injuries force you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. Gather documentation such as employer letters, pay stubs, tax returns, and medical work restriction notes. If you are self-employed, business income statements or canceled client contracts can help prove lost earnings.
In some cases, your injury may prevent you from returning to your former job. A vocational expert may be needed to support a claim for diminished earning capacity. This is especially important in high-earning or labor-intensive professions.
Choose a Legal Team With a Record of Success
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we know how to build a strong claim based on timely, persuasive evidence. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers leave no stone unturned when investigating an accident.
We have secured:
- $3.85 million in a truck rollover injury case
- $5.25 million in a wrongful death truck collision
- $2 million for a pedestrian crash injury
- $925,000 for negligent security leading to long-term injury
We utilize advanced tools, including accident reconstruction, medical expert testimony, and economic impact analysis, to ensure that every aspect of the damage is thoroughly documented. Our legal team is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today
For over two decades, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has securedover $200 million in case results, helping victims seek maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
Call (954) 633-8270 today for a free case consultation.