subject: How Keeping Accurate Records Helps Your Claim [print this page] If you're ever involved in an auto accident, you need to speak with any witnesses that were at the scene. Many people wonder if this is also the case with other types of accidents such as bike accidents, dog bites, or other possible injury claims. It is always wise to speak with as many witnesses as possible after any accident. Furthermore, there are some methods of evidence gathering that you should use no matter what kind of injury you are dealing with. There are two categories that cover most evidence gathering: Saving records, and taking pictures.
1) Trace Your Paper Trail
If you've been in a car accident, pedestrian accident, attacked, etc you need to call the police, no exceptions. Although you've called the police you still have to make sure they fill out a report. After that you need to get a copy of the report. While on the scene you should record which police department handled the case and the badge number of the responding officer so that you can easily request a copy of the report later. As soon as they file the report, get a copy for your own records.
Police reports will not be the only thing you'll need to keep track of. After you're treated you need to request copies of all of your medical records. If you have insurance then you will need a receipt for your copy. You should request your medical records as soon as possible if you feel that you have a case for medical malpractice. Unfortunately in some cases records might become altered or "lost" so it's important to get all records as soon as possible.
It is also important to keep a list of witnesses. Having the address, name, and phone number of your witnesses can be useful as the defendant begins to distort the details and cloud what happened.
2) Go Camera Crazy
Take pictures of as much as you can. This includes anything that was damaged, the general scene, your injuries, etc. On your chart the doctor may write "extreme bruising and skin abrasions" but what does that really mean? By the time everything is being handled your wounds could very well be healed. Having pictures is important.
If you are in an accident taking pictures of the scene is key. There was once a woman who got in contact with us after her child was injured on his school playground by cement fixtures. The next day she photographed everything. When her child returned to school a few days later the fixtures had been removed by the grounds crew.
It should be noted that the school was not trying to be deceptive or hide evidence. The fixtures were removed after the accident because they realized how dangerous they were and wanted to prevent more injuries. Either way the claim would have been more difficult to fight had the mother not gathered the evidence quickly.
Having accurate records can make a huge difference in your injury claim. Make sure when you decide to follow through with a claim you are as thorough as possible. If you don't it can make your case that much more difficult. If you are injured it's also important to get in contact with an experienced injury lawyer to avoid making any other easy mistakes.
