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How to Preserve Evidence After an Accident

After an accident, time is of the essence for preserving evidence. Collecting and preserving evidence often ensures a fair and just resolution. More specific and detailed evidence increases the likelihood of taking the right steps.

After an accident, dealing with witnesses and insurance companies can be confusing. We created this step-by-step guide to preserving accident evidence to help you resolve your case. This guide will help you gather and preserve evidence your lawyer can use in the courtroom. 

What Are the Steps to Preserve Evidence?

After an accident, it’s hard to know how to preserve evidence for legal liability. After an accident, each state has its own rules for protecting evidence, but general guidelines should be followed.

Keep evidence intact. Skid marks and vehicle damage should be preserved until a professional or law enforcement officer can examine them. Before moving the vehicles or changing the scene, take photos.

The accident witnesses’ contact information should be recorded. Record their statements for future reference. To preserve evidence, you may need an independent investigator. This will ensure controlled evidence gathering without manipulation or contamination.

Preserving evidence isn’t just for legal purposes—it can also help determine an accident’s cause and prevent future incidents. By safeguarding all evidence, you can start resolving your legal matter quickly.

Documenting the Situation

Accident evidence must be documented. Gather witness information and accident details like time and location. Note relevant data that prove fault or negligence. An officer on the scene can write an official police report you can use as evidence. 

Informal reports can be made quickly without law enforcement. However, since such reports are conducted by non-professionals, they lack authoritative weight due to a lack of training or testifying ability. However, an official police report can be used in court as evidence. Accidents with a police report may also receive more insurance and compensation. Both tools can help you document exactly what happened after an accident. 

Taking Photos of the Collision

Photographing the accident scene is crucial. Photos can not only allow for visual evidence of the damage but can also help paint a better picture of what happened during the collision. Photos of the accident should include all moving vehicles and damaged property. The photos should show road markings, skid marks, and other objects that help explain the accident. Visual evidence can help with reports and claims and provide an impartial perspective. If you have a smartphone or camera, record a short video walk-through of the scene as evidence.

In a chaotic situation, taking photos may seem like a waste of time, but waiting too long can prevent you from capturing important details. Finally, don’t forget that photographic evidence can help determine accident liability and fault. Taking photos and videos at the crash site can help preserve evidence. Let’s examine why collecting evidence after an accident is so crucial.

Who Can You Turn To for Assistance?

After an accident, you need to find someone to help preserve evidence. Many people don’t have the time, resources, or legal training to conduct their own investigation, even with good intentions. That’s why it’s often wise to enlist the help of an experienced lawyer.

Personal injury lawyers can help you gather and preserve evidence. They can also offer strategic advice you may not have considered before your day in court. An attorney also shows other accident case parties that you mean business.

How Long Should You Retain Evidence?

Responsible parties must preserve evidence after an accident. How long the evidence should be retained is a question worth considering, as different types of evidence will have different lifespans and significance.

Accident victims should keep evidence for three years. Thus, if insurance company issues arise or the information needs to be referred to later, there will always be records. However, this three-year window may not apply in some states, so individuals should consult their local attorney for specific requirements.

An experienced attorney should be consulted immediately about record-keeping. A knowledgeable attorney will advise you on which evidence to keep, document it, and store it securely to ensure its availability throughout a case. Attorneys also know how long such evidence can remain admissible in court in different states. Because this time period varies state-by-state, consult your lawyer to better understand your local regulations.

Get Legal Help When Using Your Accident Evidence 

Gathering evidence is a vital step in getting compensated, but putting it to use is more important. The lawyers at The Nye Law Group are ready to review your evidence and use it to help you recover when you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident. 

Our team also offers free consultations. If you’re hurt and seeking compensation, reach out for help by calling 912-200-5230 or by completing the online contact form on this page to learn more about what a lawyer can offer. 

Justice And Personal Injury Claims

Hundreds of accidents occur every day, leaving the victim with injuries that can range from minor and temporary to severe and life-altering. If you or a loved one have been in an accident caused by the negligence of another, you have the right to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Whether you have been hurt in Savannah, The Nye Law Group has the extensive knowledge and resources to prioritize your claim and seek restitution for your damages. Insurance companies often try to catch you off guard and suggest settlements far less than what you deserve, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights. 

Why Pursue a Personal Injury Claim?

Injuries stemming from an injury can be extensive. Extended hospital stays and the aftercare involved in recovering from a traumatic event can not only impact your health but also your finances and relationships both personally and professionally. Environmental hazards such as faulty wiring or unkempt roadways can cause injuries to many if not immediately corrected.

Obtaining an attorney with extensive experience in personal injury law allows you to focus on your recovery. Skilled legal advocates will investigate the details of your injury and hold the at-fault parties responsible. We know how to collect evidence to determine liability and create a strong case to get you the compensation you have the right to. 

Even the best legal advocate cannot erase what has happened to cause your injuries. However, by receiving financial reimbursement for your expenses, pain, and suffering, you can move forward on your road to recovery with greater ease. Your lawyer can help you get the answers and the guidance you need. 

Common Types of Personal Injuries

There’s an endless list of ways one can suffer from a personal injury. We personalize your case and individualize your legal plan based on the uniqueness of your situation. Though each case is different, there are some common types of injuries you can suffer due to someone else’s carelessness:

Get Justice For Yourself and Your Loved Ones

When you’re injured in an accident, your entire family is impacted. Your recovery as well as the care and concern of those closest to you are of utmost importance. No one plans for these unfortunate events, but the best plan you can make after suffering from a personal injury is to secure a lawyer who knows personal injury law well. 

Working with insurance companies and the complex legal system is overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with negotiation and legalities. Let us handle all of the documentation and discussions with the at-fault party. Our focused personal injury representation will get you the compensation you deserve for your losses and get you back on track physically and emotionally. 

Ready to speak with a personal injury lawyer? Connect today by calling 912-200-5230 or completing the online form below and scheduling your free consultation. 

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Charlotte

Many Charlotte residents find themselves driving on roads known for their dangers every day. It may be your best or only path to work, for example. Unfortunately, you may have now suffered a major car accident because of the dangerous roads and intersections in Charlotte. 

Knowing what makes these roads dangerous can help you avoid an accident, and knowing what may have caused your injuries can help you prepare for a lawsuit. Here are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Charlotte you may want to avoid. 

Danger Factors in Charlotte

A growing population means a growing number of vehicles on the road. With an increase in vehicles using the same infrastructure, difficulties are bound to occur.

However, construction to increase the capacity of Charlotte’s motorways also contributes to the danger of its roads and intersections. With crews continually working to improve roads come lane closures and traffic disruptions. For drivers who aren’t native to Charlotte, this can complicate things.

A majority of Charlotte’s dangerous intersections can be found near popular tourist destinations. Having roads that are constantly busy, and packed with people, many of whom are tourists who are unfamiliar with the area, can lead to car accidents.

North Tryon Street and West Trade Street

This intersection is located near multiple tourist destinations. That means it’s constantly packed with people traveling in some way. Whether they’re in cars, on foot, sightseeing, or commuting, North Tryon Street and West Trade Street are incredibly busy. 

Charlotte Convention Center, Bank of America Stadium, and the Spectrum Center can all be found near this intersection. Unfortunately, many drivers and other people are distracted by all the sightseeing, and that can lead to an accident. Your lawyer can help you get answers when you’re hurt and suffering after an accident at this intersection. 

South Church St and West Hill

This intersection is located near Interstate 277. Interstates tend to have both high traffic and high speeds. That makes accidents even more dangerous to all drivers. 

Worse, drivers entering or exiting the interstate may try taking the exits at high speeds and lose control or fail to follow the flow of traffic. This can lead to accidents from minor fender-benders to devastating crashes. 

The Charlotte Department of Transportation has installed new signs on South Church Street and West Hill Street, in addition to repainting the stop bar, crosswalk lines, and skip lines. However, this area is still known to be a dangerous spot to drive.

Trade Street and Wesley Heights Way

Trade Street and Wesley Heights Way are home to the city’s CityLYNX Gold Line trolley car. The Charlotte Area Transit System maintains this transit system for those who may not want to drive their own car. 

Unfortunately, these different modes of transportation can lead to a crash. A driver who’s already distracted or drunk may not be paying attention to the trolley or their surroundings. That can lead to a deadly crash

North Tryon Street and University Pointe Boulevard

This particular intersection is located near several busy locations, including the University of North Carolina Charlotte, an Ikea, and a major shopping center. It is also close to an exit off highway I-85. 

Between the heavy traffic from the shopping center, and the relative inexperience of the UNC Charlotte student drivers, this is a concentrated spot for accidents.

East Independence Boulevard

East Independence Boulevard is one of the city’s busiest highways, as it’s located along both residential and business areas. That means this roadway is a necessity for many people traveling to and from home or work. 

Unfortunately, it also means a high amount of traffic and careless drivers. Another driver may have been looking at their phone, for example, when they struck you, or another driver may have been so tired from work that they fell asleep behind the wheel. Talk about these accidents with your attorney. 

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer in Charlotte

Being in a car accident is incredibly traumatic, and it doesn’t end with the accident itself. Medical bills, being hassled by insurance, and potential legal struggles can make the process feel painfully drawn out. You may need guidance and legal aid to fully recover from the suffering you experienced because of your accident. 

The Nye Law Group understands how stressful this experience can be, and wants to help you alleviate some of the difficulties you face. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in North Carolina, don’t hesitate to call the Nye Law Group at 912-200-5230. Speak to an attorney today without fear of hidden fees.

Dangerous Intersections in Charlotte

Charlotte is the most populous city found in North Carolina. It is a revolving door for construction, which in turn, leads to more accidents. With a constantly growing and changing city, you can expect to see many accidents.

Whether you’re in Concord Mills, Plaza Midwood, or around UNC Charlotte, you will likely find some of the most dangerous intersections within this city. Between 2018 and 2020, there have been over 125,000 accidents occurred in Charlotte alone. 

This makes Charlotte the city in North Carolina with the highest amount of accidents. With so many people driving on the roadways, it is no surprise that Charlotte is home to many dangerous intersections where these car accidents happen. Here are some of the most common intersections for dangerous car accidents in Charlotte

7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th Streets

Cross these intersections with caution. They’re the four most dangerous spots found along N.orthCollege Street in Charlotte. The long, wide roads throughout this city, doubled with higher speeds make these intersections more dangerous.

Known as the intersections where festivals regularly occur, this increases the number of people found in the area. With between 6,000 to 15,000 people at any given time, the crash rates and injuries are higher than normal. 

West Hill and South Church

Data from the Charlotte Department of Transportation showed that this intersection has the fourth-highest crash rate in the city.

Driving around the university makes navigating the roadways trickier. This increases the number of accidents that happen by those not paying attention. 

North Kings Drive and East 4th Street

This intersection has a third street connector bringing them together. This causes further anxiety for those driving on the roadways. If you’re coming from the left, you’re often forced to cross over four or five lanes of traffic to merge onto 1-277.

With over 100 accidents that happen at this intersection, they’re in the top ten most dangerous intersections in Charlotte. With an average daily traffic amount of over 45,000 people, you can expect the crash rates to be high. 

East Sugar Creek Road and North Tryon Street 

With over 140 accidents that have happened at this intersection, it is rated as one of the most dangerous in the city. The average daily traffic in the area is over 64,000 vehicles. This puts the crash rate higher than others. 

You can expect to find double left turn lanes down this intersection. This leads to indecisive drivers and dangerous situations, which leads to expensive car accidents

Hurt in a Car Accident? Contact a Car Accident Lawyer 

Don’t leave your life up to chance after a car accident in North Carolina, whether it was at one of these dangerous intersections or anywhere else in Charlotte. If you’ve suffered injuries due to the negligence of another, seek help from an experienced team. 

Call The Nye Law Group at 912-200-5230 or fill out the following online contact form to speak with our professionals during a free consultation about the accident you’ve been in. Charlotte’s roads can be dangerous, but we’ll seek the compensation you deserve after being in an accident there.

Dangerous Products Commonly Seen in Lawsuits

When it comes to the court of law, you can never be too careful. With multiple factors playing into your liability case, you should be aware of what products are most often seen in lawsuits.

Depending on the state you reside in, however, your case could be impacted. The Nye Law Group is prepared to represent you, including taking your claim to court if the at-fault party fails to settle fairly with you. Talk to your lawyer about dangerous products you may have been injured by in a product liability lawsuit

Product Liability Laws in North Carolina You Need to Know

North Carolina establishes provisions relating to product liability claims. You should be aware that a manufacturer is not automatically liable when one of its products injures a person. That means a person pursuing a product liability claim in North Carolina will have to satisfy certain requirements in order to hold a negligent party accountable.

The burden of proof falls on the plaintiff in the State of North Carolina. Though the state recognizes that a product manufacturer may be liable for injury or death to a person who has used the product, it must be deemed defective and unreasonably dangerous.

What Makes a Product Defective?

In most states, your case will be assessed on a few core concepts to decide whether or not a product may be considered defective. In the State of North Carolina, there are three things a judge uses to determine defectiveness:

  • Design A design defect is determined by whether or not the product was inherently dangerous based on the design itself. This means that even if the product was handled correctly by the manufacturer, the product would have always been considered dangerous. 
  • Manufacturing A manufacturing defect occurs if it can be proven that the product was assembled incorrectly, damaged, or had another issue occur during the manufacturing process. 
  • Lack of Warnings Inadequate warnings could lead to a lawsuit even if the product was manufactured and designed correctly. Injuries may be a result of a lack of directions or labels presented to the public.

Common Dangerous Products

When dealing with everyday products, you will want to keep in mind which ones are most often seen in product liability cases. This may not only save your or your family member’s life, but it could also impact your business. Our team at Nye Law Group has compiled a list of some of the most dangerous products seen in lawsuits:

  • Motor Vehicles and Parts These types of defects can be anything from a motorcycle, to airbags, breaks, and other safety devices. Often, the manufacturer is liable for these defects, but mechanics may be liable for faulty repairs. 
  • Medical Devices Defects for items such as pacemakers, hip replacements, and more could result in major safety concerns or death. That includes surgical intervention to remove the defective product. 
  • Lawn Equipment – Lawnmowers, tractors, and other types of equipment all have the possibility of a defect causing serious injury.
  • Children’s Toys One of the most common scares for parents is a defect with their child’s toys, which could result in injury or death. Often, the toy is a choking hazard, and if the toy isn’t properly labeled, the manufacturer may be liable. 
  • Weapons Knives, guns, and other weapons frequently make the list of the most dangerous products, but suing for one may be difficult because these products are presumed to be dangerous. However, if a design defect made them unreasonably dangerous, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
  • Medications – Both over-the-counter medications and prescribed medications are common products involved in defect recalls. 

If you’re facing a lawsuit because you were injured by any of these products, among others, reach out for help. Your lawyer can determine your best option to get the funds you’re due from a lawsuit. 

Take on Your Product Liability Case with a Personal Injury Attorney

Many producers of everyday products are large, multi-million dollar companies. Don’t take them on alone. Your injury claim could allow you to recover monetary compensation to pay for your losses, and it could hold the person responsible accountable for what they’ve done. With the personal injury lawyers in North Carolina at the Nye Law Group by your side, we will help you prove your case in a court of law. 

Ready to speak with a lawyer or get a free consultation? We’re ready to talk to you. To get started, call 912-200-5230 or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.

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402 West Trade Street,
Suite 112
Charlotte, NC

704-285-6319 get directions

119 Southern Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31405

912-200-5230 get directions
View all locations
CONTACT US

NO PRESSURE. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY. NO HIDDEN FEES.

* All Fields Required

Or Call 912-200-5230