You drive every day to your workplace in Asheville, North Carolina. For years, you have done this and arrived safely in one piece.
Unfortunately, on this occasion, you have been involved in a collision with another vehicle. You’ve sustained injuries that mean you are not going to be able to work for the foreseeable future. In such instances, you may be entitled to legal compensation.
What you do immediately after the collision can have a significant bearing on your case. Of course, if you are injured, then your first priority will be to seek medical attention. If you are able, collecting the following evidence could also assist your case.
Photographic evidence
Throughout the hearing, the judge may ask you for oral testimony to find out exactly what happened. While this is useful, it will be helpful to substantiate this with other forms of evidence. Photographs of the scene will help create a clearer picture for the court. You can take pictures of the damage your vehicle sustained, road signs and other items of interest.
A police report
Obtaining a police report is one of the more useful things you can do. In North Carolina, this is a legal requirement anyway, if the total damage incurred amounts to over $1000. The police are held in high regard by the courts, and their testimony will be compelling. If their version of events matches your accounts, you could have a significantly stronger case.
Protecting your rights
The more evidence you have from the accident, the more solid your claim will be. If there were other witnesses at the scene, you may also wish to ask them if they are willing to testify. If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, then it is in your best interests to assess all of your legal options.