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.