When people think about personal injury cases, they often assume that a hospital and a police report are enough to prove their claim.
In reality, the strongest cases are built on multiple pieces of supporting evidence, some of which victims don’t even realize they have.
Personal injury claims are, more often than not, won or lost based on the small details. If you don’t have enough crucial evidence, forget fair compensation – you’d only be walking away with nothing.
Here are some of the most overlooked pieces of evidence that can strengthen your case and make sure justice is served.
Surveillance and Dashcam Footage
In today’s digital age, cameras are everywhere. Yet, many victims don’t think to check if their accident was recorded.
Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and even doorbell cameras could have captured the accident when it happened.
Plus, dashcam footage can serve as undeniable proof of what happened, whether it’s from your own vehicle or from a witness.
If you’re involved in an accident, it’s best to act quickly. Request footage from all possible areas and witnesses before it’s deleted or recorded over.
Witness Testimony
Most people only consider eyewitnesses who saw the accident in real-time, but other types of witnesses exist, and their testimonies can be just as valuable, if not more.
These witnesses include:
- Medical professionals. Your doctor can testify and prove the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
- Mechanics. If your vehicle was what caused the accident, a mechanic’s testimony can prove that it wasn’t your fault but a malfunction or engine error.
- Accident reconstruction experts. These specialists can analyze the scene and recreate what happened to give a better picture.
It would be better to seek help from highly experienced personal injury lawyers as they can efficiently identify and collect these testimonies.
Smartphone and GPS Data
Your smartphone holds more data than you might think. And this data can be used as evidence.
GPS data confirms your exact location and speed at the time of an accident, potentially proving that you weren’t at fault.
Plus, if the other driver – who actually was at fault – was texting, calling, or using their phone for anything when the accident happened, phone records can be used to prove distracted driving.
This evidence can quickly change the outcome of the case, especially in cases where the other driver claims that they were paying full attention.
Black Box Data
Most modern vehicles come equipped with an event data recorder (EDR), which is also known as a black box.
These devices track vital information, such as:
- Vehicle speed at the time of the accident.
- Brake application before the crash.
- Steering patterns.
- Airbag deployment timing.
This data can help determine if a driver was speeding, didn’t react in time, or was engaging in reckless behavior.
Unfortunately, many accident victims don’t realize that this data exists. And without a lawyer’s help, it can be difficult to access.
Clothing and Physical Evidence
The condition of your clothes and personal belongings can sometimes tell a story that other evidence might miss.
This includes:
- Torn or damaged clothing. They point to the force and direction of impact.
- Bloodstains, dirt, or skid marks on shoes. These help recreate what happened, especially in slip-and-fall cases.
- Broken glasses, watches, or phones can be considered proof of severe impact.
What you can do is preserve these items and take pictures immediately after the accident. This will add another layer of credibility to your case.
Social Media Posts and Online Activity
In today’s world, where social media activity is always on the rise, both your own social media posts and those of the party at fault can be used as evidence.
For example:
- If the person who hit you posted about drinking at a bar before the accident, this could support claims of intoxicated driving.
- If they post vacation photos while claiming to be seriously injured, it could discredit their claim in a counter-lawsuit.
On the other hand, your own social media can also be used against you. A simple post saying, “Feeling better today!” could be misinterpreted as proof that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Because of this, it’s crucial to be mindful of what you post while your case is ongoing.
Additional Medical Records
While most people submit hospital records as proof of injury, there are other medical documents that could further strengthen your case.
These include:
- Pre-accident medical records. They can prove that your injuries were caused by the accident and not a pre-existing condition.
- Physical therapy records showing the long-term impact of the injury might lead to higher compensation.
- Mental health records. If the accident caused psychological or emotional trauma, therapy notes can be used to prove the psychological toll.
Weather and Road Conditions Reports
Environmental factors also play a role in accidents, but they are often overlooked when gathering evidence.
You can look into:
- Weather reports
- Road conditions
- Construction zones
Photos of potholes, missing traffic signs, or non-functioning streetlights can also be used as evidence. They could indicate that local authorities were partially responsible.
Injury Progression Photos
Many victims only take photos immediately after an accident, but documenting the progression of an injury over time can be just as important.
Bruises, swelling, or scars that develop days later should be photographed and included in your claim.
This type of visual evidence can be particularly useful when dealing with insurance companies that may try to downplay the severity of your injuries.
Receipts and Financial Records
Most people understand that medical bills are crucial evidence, but there are many other financial documents that could be relevant, such as:
- Receipts for medications, medical equipment, or therapy sessions.
- Pay stubs showing lost wages.
- Travel expenses for doctor’s appointments.
- Home modifications needed due to an injury.
Keeping detailed financial records can ensure that you receive full compensation for all costs related to the accident.
The Importance of Gathering Evidence Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an accident is assuming that they can collect evidence later. However, surveillance footage gets erased, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence deteriorates over time.
The sooner you start gathering proof, the stronger your case will be.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help to make sure that nothing is overlooked and that every piece of evidence is used to strengthen your claim.
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