Personal Injury Lawyer's Guide on Preserving Documents After an Accident

In San Diego, if you get harmed, injured, or go through emotional distress due to someone's negligence, then you have the right to file a personal injury claim. However, to secure your compensation, you must gather evidence supporting the injury and the reason for it. When you have immediate and meticulous documentation, it would positively influence the case, and with the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can pursue compensation for your loss. Let's get to know which evidence you should preserve.

• Why Should You Return to the Scene?

If you want to examine the contributing factors that led to the accident, you have to visit the accident location as soon as possible. Otherwise, the evidence might get jeopardized. You have to look minutely to avoid missing out on anything, such as the hazardous condition or malfunctioning unit. You might have missed this evidence in the initial stage, but when you get back to check the entire area, you can recall the incident without getting stressed or worried. 

Remember to photograph the area from multiple angles and try to capture every perspective that might have existed before the accident. Ensure that the photos are taken at the same time and day of the accident so that you can accurately represent the condition.

• Protect Physical Evidence

The most essential evidence that can make or break a case is the physical evidence, so you have to protect it. This list usually includes damaged clothes, defective products, or any object that might have led to the accident. You have to store this item securely, try not to tamper with the post-accident condition, and prevent any kind of alteration.

• Locate Witnesses

If you want an unbiased account of the accident, locate the witness and take their statement. This is significant evidence that can offer additional insight. You must identify the individuals, gather their contact information, and collect the statements before the memory fades. According to the attorney of https://hhjtrialattorneys.com/, the witness's statement can corroborate your version of the event.

• Document Your Injuries

After the accident, your priority should be to get medical attention. You have to ensure that the medical specialist documents all your injuries, and if possible, you have to photograph the visible injuries. If there are any complications, you must regularly track the healing process. Also, keep evidence of medical treatment prescriptions, follow-ups, and other related expenses that you have to bear due to the injury.

• Maintain a Personal Injury Journal

You must not forget to track the emotional distress that you have to go through due to the physical injury. So, keep a daily journal where you mention in detail the physical pain, emotional state, and how the injury affects your daily life. This evidence is filed in the non-economic damages section.

Final Words

An experienced personal injury lawyer would always advise you to secure the official records and keep copies related to them, such as police reports and workplace injury reports. You must also save the digital communications related to the accident, such as emails, text messages, or any social media post. Most importantly, taking the proper steps can prove the liability and get fair compensation.