cranston auto accident

If you have been injured in a Cranston auto accident, the last thing you may be thinking about is preserving evidence. However, the evidence collected or preserved after an auto accident can make a crucial difference in ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. An experienced and knowledgeable Cranston auto accident lawyer can utilize the evidence to bolster your personal injury claim.

Getting Prompt Medical Attention

cranston auto accident victim getting medical attentionThe first priority if you have been injured in a car accident is to get medical attention. If you find yourself unable to move, stay right there and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Trying to do something on your own may worsen your injuries. If emergency personnel arrive at the scene, accept treatment and make sure you are transported to a hospital emergency department for further examination and treatment.

Even if you walk away from the scene of the crash, schedule a visit to your doctor to ensure that you have not suffered any injuries whose symptoms may surface later. By getting prompt medical attention and care, you are giving yourself the best shot at a speedy and complete recovery.

Evidence Preservation

man preserving evidence after a Cranston auto accidentIf you have been in an auto accident, it is important that you preserve the important pieces of evidence that could help strengthen your claim. For example, the vehicle is an important piece of evidence in an auto accident case. Accident reconstruction experts may be able to extract valuable information from the vehicles involved in the crash. For example, they may be able to tell the speed at which the vehicle was traveling or whether the driver tried to brake by examining the car’s event date recorder or “black box.”

Your injury attorney can help preserve vital evidence by sending what is known as a spoliation letter. A spoliation letter puts the party that receives it on notice that an accident victim has a potential claim against that party and that he or she has the duty to preserve that evidence. Such a move will prevent important evidence from getting destroyed after an auto accident. It is also important to preserve evidence from the scene such as photographs of the crash scene, torn or bloody clothing, contact information for eyewitnesses and other parties.

Documenting Your Losses

car accident victim is documenting losses in paperworkKeep track of all the losses and expenses you have incurred as a result of the car accident. This includes hospital bills, money you have spent on medication or medical equipment, emergency room costs, emergency transportation, physical therapy or rehabilitative care, wages lost because you were not able to work, etc. Keep all receipts and invoices. Maintain a daily journal or log of how you feel every day. Document the pain you are feeling or activities you are unable to perform such as gardening, housework or picking up the kids from school. No detail is too trivial.

Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Cranston car accident lawyer. If you have questions about evidence preservation or documenting your losses, a knowledgeable injury lawyer can help you avoid the pitfalls that can derail your personal injury claim.

Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

Rate this Post

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...