After a car accident, the type of evidence you collect can have a big impact on your ability to recover damages. The right information makes it much easier to prove what really happened, show the extent of your injuries, and hold others accountable for your losses. Some of the most important pieces of evidence you can use to help your Aurora car accident case include:
Photos and Videos From the Scene
Clear images taken immediately after the accident serve as some of the strongest evidence in your case. Photos documenting vehicle damage show the force and direction of impact, which helps establish how the crash happened. Visual records of road conditions, skid marks, or scattered debris can provide context about contributing factors or which vehicle tried to stop. Documenting weather or lighting – for example, heavy rain, fog, or time of day explains how conditions influenced visibility or traction.
If you or others have dash cam videos, or if bystanders caught the crash on their phones, this footage can be incredibly important to showing who was responsible for the crash.
Police Reports
When law enforcement arrives at the scene of the accident, they created an official crash report. They include their impressions of what happened, who was at fault, and whether any citations were given to anyone involved. This acts as a neutral and objective account of what may have occurred and led to the accident.
Witness Statements
Testimony from people with no connection to those involved in the crash adds credibility. Always make sure you get contact information from anyone on the scene who witnessed what happened. You don’t need to get their side of the story just yet – your lawyer can do this, since they’re trained in questioning people and know what to ask and look for.
Medical Records and Documentation
Immediate and thorough documentation of all injuries demonstrates is critical, as this can connect your injuries to the accident. Emergency room records, imaging results, follow up treatment, and anything else you had to go through because of your injuries helps explain how serious the accident was and how it has affected your life. Following the prescribed treatment plan also shows you’re working hard to get better, which can strengthen your case.
Proof of Damages
You’ll need proof of what your damages are. This usually includes medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and showing how much you’ve lost due to being out of work because of your injuries. You can also provide evidence of other out-of-pocket expenses, like taxi or rideshare costs to get to appointments and any medical equipment you had to purchase, like wheelchairs or crutches.
Expert Testimony
Complex accidents and significant injuries often require input from specialists. Accident reconstructionists use evidence to recreate how a collision took place and show who was likely at fault. Medical experts can testify about the nature, seriousness, and lasting effects of your injuries. When damages will affect your finances long-term, economic experts may be needed to calculate the toll on your earning abilities.
Electronic Evidence
Most modern vehicles have event data recorders (also called “black boxes”) that track technical details, like when the brakes were used and how fast the car was going at the time of the accident. If there’s suspicion that someone was distracted by their cell phone at the time of the accident, your attorney can subpoena phone records to show this as well.
Surveillance and Business Camera Footage
Security footage from gas stations, convenience stores, traffic cameras, or even someone’s home doorbell can capture views of what led up to and happened during your crash. Your lawyer should request this immediately, as these videos are often erased or written over quickly.
Getting all the right evidence together can be the difference between a denied claim and fair compensation for your injuries after a car accident. If you’re unsure where to start or need help gathering proof and facing the insurance company, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Aurora personal injury attorney.