Documenting Car Accident Evidence: Your Best Strategy

Woman taking a photo as evidence for a car accident

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, amidst the shock and pain, the steps you take can be crucial for your future claim. Understanding how to meticulously document car accident evidence at the scene is essential, not only for your peace of mind but also for the strength of any legal claim you may pursue. 

This guide aims to empower individuals involved in a car accident with knowledge on why evidence documentation is important, what evidence to collect, and how to effectively use this evidence to support a claim. 

Remembering that Castan, Lecca & Boeschen are by your side is the first step, but for everything else, we also have you covered!

The Importance of Documenting Evidence

The moments following a car accident are pivotal. Documenting evidence can provide a clear, undisputed account of the events, contributing significantly to substantiating your claim. This evidence becomes the cornerstone of proving fault, the extent of damages, and any injuries sustained, influencing negotiations with insurance companies and legal proceedings.

If you need help on how to prove your injuries and damages to your car in the accident, here are some tips to help you understand how to do it yourself.

Evidence to Collect at the Scene

A person holding a smartphone looking at the documentation of a car accident
  • Photographic and Video Evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles, including all vehicles involved, any visible damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries. 
  • Witness Information: Identify anyone who witnessed the accident and collect their contact information. Their accounts can provide invaluable third-party perspectives on the incident that solidify your case and leave no room for doubt when it comes to your version of the events.
  • Personal Accounts: Write down your detailed account of the accident as soon as possible. Include everything leading up to, during, and immediately following the accident, focusing on details that might fade from memory over time.

How to Take Effective Photographs

  • Coverage: Ensure photos and videos cover the entire scene, including close-ups and wide shots to capture the full context. The whole incident should be photographed as much as possible, with much detail.
  • Different Angles: Take pictures from various angles to provide a thorough view of the accident and surrounding areas. With many points of view covered, there will be fewer chances of a third party claiming you are leaving information out.
  • Relevant Details: Focus on capturing license plates, road conditions, traffic lights or signs, and any contributing factors to the accident. All these additional details will be taken into account when ruling in your favor.

Gathering Witness Statements

  • Immediate Collection: Approach witnesses as soon as it’s safe. Politely ask for their account of what happened and if they’re willing to provide a statement. Having witnesses and making sure they will vouch for you is one of the most important factors in a personal injury case.
  • Note-taking: Write down or record their observations, including their perspective on the sequence of events, the behavior of the drivers, and any other relevant details. All minute details should be noted down, even if they seem inconsequential.

Obtaining a Police Report

Police officer taking car accident report as evidence

Notification: Ensure that the police are called to the scene of the car accident. A police report is a critical document that records the incident and often includes the officer’s assessment of fault. This piece of evidence can make or break any personal injury case, don’t overlook it!

Follow-up: After the accident, obtain a copy of the police report from the local police department as it will serve as an official account of the accident. It’s easy to obtain, so no need to panic whenever thinking about going to ask for a copy.

Utilizing the Evidence to Support Your Claim

Well-documented evidence is a powerful tool in negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, court proceedings. It serves to:

  • Establish the facts of the accident.
  • Support your recollection and claims regarding the incident.
  • Counter any disputing or conflicting accounts by the other parties involved.

The chaos and confusion following a car accident injury can be overwhelming, but being aware of what needs to be done to document evidence can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. By understanding what evidence to collect and how to document it effectively, you stand a stronger chance of ensuring justice and receiving fair compensation for your losses. 

Remember, the evidence you collect serves as your voice in the legal process, telling your side of the story with clarity and conviction. Thorough documentation is what makes the difference between a weak, unsolvable case, and a strong and cleat-cut one. We all have our parts in the personal injury claim process, and we all can make sure that evidence piles up to our advantage!

For those who find themselves navigating the aftermath of an accident, never forget that you’re not alone. Legal professionals specializing in personal injury and auto accident claims can offer guidance, ensuring that your rights are protected and your claims are effectively presented.

Make sure all your next steps are guided by legal professionals, like the ones at our firm, where we constantly provide superior results thanks to our exceptional attorneys, read more on it here! Call Castan, Lecca & Boeschen today for a free consultation! ! 678-825-3611.

(864)761-4141

Dustin Thompson

Attorney

Dustin Thompson was raised in rural Camilla, Georgia. Dustin graduated from Georgia Southern University majoring in political science and history. After graduation, Dustin obtained a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin worked a variety of jobs from a watermelon farm in Mitchell County to a policy think tank in Washington D.C. Dustin has practiced law almost exclusively in the workers’ compensation arena since 2014. For nearly a decade, he worked for a large defense firm in Georgia representing employers and insurers and gaining the invaluable experience and knowledge of how insurers defend claims. In 2023, Dustin joined the firm to use his expertise and litigation skills to help individuals who have been injured as a result of work accidents and third-party negligence.  Dustin has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” in the practice of workers’ compensation. Outside of work, Dustin enjoys traveling, hunting, and attending sporting events. He and his family are active in Buckhead Church.

MICHAEL BOESCHEN

Attorney

Michael Boeschen (Mike) was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Mike graduated from The McCallie School and went on to study history, Spanish, and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from the University Of Georgia School Of Law. During law school, Mike participated in the Legal Aid Clinic, assisting in the defense of indigent criminal defendants. Mike has been licensed to practice law in Georgia since 2002 and his main practice area consists of representing injured workers as they navigate through the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Mike is also fluent in Spanish. In his spare time Mike enjoys following soccer, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters. Mike and his family are parishioners of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA

CHRISTIAN PECONE

Attorney

ED DENKER

Attorney

Edward Denker was born in Philadelphia, PA but has made Georgia his home since 1999. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Edward spent his first years in practice representing clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims. He then spent more than a decade honing his litigation skills representing employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, where he gained immense experience and knowledge of how insurers defend those claims. In 2017, Edward returned to his passion of representing people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others. When he isn’t working, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. He is also an avid sports fan, and enjoys cooking and travel

ILIANA DOBREV

Attorney

Iliana Dobrev was born in Bulgaria. After high school, she immigrated to the United States to study law. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in political science concentrating on pre-law and minoring in Spanish. In 2015, she graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Iliana completed a Graduate Research Assistantship in Labor and Employment Law and Employment Discrimination and two externships in Immigration Law. As an immigrant herself, Iliana is passionate about advocating for and defending immigrants. She is delighted to help families stay together and pursue the American dream. Iliana is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and worked in both a fellowship and a firm specializing in immigration law. Iliana is fluent in Bulgarian and Spanish
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KEN THAXTON

Attorney

Ken Thaxton was born and raised in Roberta, GA. When Ken was a child, his father started a trucking business, which Ken ultimately spent over ten years working with through his late teens and twenties. Ken graduated from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, GA in 2001 with a 4.0 GPA. He then studied Business and Information Technology at Macon State College, ultimately graduating with a 4.0 GPA in 2004. After graduation, Ken continued to work with his father’s trucking company, and in late 2005, Ken and his father started an aircraft charter company, Southern Jet, Inc., under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Ken served as President of Southern Jet from 2006 until 2010, when he and his father sold the company. Ken is a Commercially Licensed Instrument, Multi-Engine Pilot. While serving as President of Southern Jet, Ken started Law School at the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. Ken focused primarily on business and civil law, including Workers’ Compensation, while at UGA. He graduated Cum Laude and in the top 25% of his class from UGA Law in 2012. Ken is a licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia, and he is also a licensed neutral (mediator) in the State of Georgia. Ken represents small businesses in transactional matters and business conflicts, and he also represents injured workers and Plaintiffs injured in cases of negligence. During his spare time, Ken enjoys swimming, cycling, sporting clays, and fishing. He also does charity work with a national scholarship fund
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ALEXANDER LECCA

Attorney

Alexander Lecca (Alex) was born in Miami, Florida to immigrant parents from Cuba and Peru. Alex graduated from Coral Gables High School, where he was a recipient of the Elsa Glazer Award (given to students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA and above). He went on to study marketing at the University of Miami School of Business Administration. At the University of Miami he was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he went on to pursue a law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. In law school, Alex received several book awards and graduated Cum Laude. During law school Alex clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom, had an internship with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office, and clerked for a prestigious litigation law firm. Alex is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida and handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. He is also a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Alex is also fluent in Spanish. During his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and four children. He also helps coach his children’s baseball, football, basketball, and soccer teams. Alex and his family are parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

DANIEL CASTAN 

Attorney

Dan Castan is a senior partner at Castan and Lecca, PC in Buckhead and represents injured workers before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and plaintiffs in State and Superior Courts of Georgia for injuries suffered in accidents. Dan litigated one of the seminal claims securing the rights of undocumented workers to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits in the state of Georgia when injured in the case of Wet Walls, Inc. vs. Ledesma. Dan has successfully fought and settled multi million dollar cases. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to immigrant parents from Cuba. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and received his Juris Doctor from The Washington College of Law at The American University in Washington D.C.  Dan was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November, 1993.  He is an active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Atlanta Bar Association and the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Dan is a founding member and Director of the Latino Victory Fund Georgia and serves on the Board of The Latin American Association. Dan has been dedicated to getting Latinos elected to local, state and Federal offices in Georgia. He has been a Big Brother through Big Brothers and Sisters of Metro Atlanta and a mentor through The Latin American Association’s mentor/mentee program. Dan is married with two children.