If you have ever been in a car accident, you already know that it can be incredibly stressful and often overwhelming. You could be suffering from shock, have injuries to deal with, and have a vehicle that is likely damaged. It’s a lot to deal with, but it is important to keep your head and preserve as much evidence from the scene as possible so that you can pursue legal action with the help of a car accident lawyer in Knoxville.

Immediate Steps to Take Following a Car Accident

When a car accident occurs, the number one priority needs to be ensuring everyone involved is safe and getting medical attention where required. Once medical needs have been assessed and the occupants of all vehicles have been moved to safety, you can start collecting some of the evidence that your car accident lawyer in Knoxville will need if you pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Here are some of the immediate steps that you can take:

  1. Contact Law Enforcement - It is important to contact law enforcement following the accident. They will investigate the scene of the accident and create a police report, which is crucial for both legal and insurance purposes. In Tennessee, you are legally required to report an accident to law enforcement if someone is injured, there is more than $50 of property damage, or the accident is in a location that requires mandatory reporting. Your own insurance policy may also have a clause that requires police to be notified.
  2. Stay at the Scene - Unless you need to be transported to the hospital, you must remain at the scene of the accident; otherwise, you may face criminal charges. It is important to exchange contact information and/or insurance information with the parties involved.
  3. Look Around for Cameras - If your accident took place at an intersection or in a high-traffic area, there may be traffic cameras that have captured the incident. You may also see CCTV cameras in local businesses surrounding the scene. Take note of these, as the footage may need to be obtained by your car accident lawyer in Knoxville as evidence to support your lawsuit.

What Type of Evidence Should You Collect?

If you have a variety of different types of evidence to support your case, it can be beneficial to your car accident lawyer in Knoxville. Some of the types of evidence you should collect include:

  • Vehicle Information - Record the make, model, year, and license plate number of each vehicle involved in the accident.
  • Personal Information - You must collect the names, contact information, and insurance information for each involved party, including drivers and passengers.
  • Witness Contacts - If witnesses saw the accident, it is important to gather contact information from them. Your car accident lawyer may need to contact them to provide a witness statement.
  • Photos & Videos - One of the strongest types of evidence you can provide to support your lawsuit will be photographs and videos. If it is safe to do so, you should make a point of photographing or videoing visible injuries, the scene of the accident, and property damage, including the vehicles and any surrounding fences or guardrails damaged in the crash.

Preservation of Evidence

With any evidence you collect, it is crucial to ensure that it is properly preserved so that your car accident lawyer in Knoxville can effectively use it to support your case. The integrity of evidence plays a key role in establishing liability and proving damages. One of the most important steps is to keep all evidence in its original format. Avoid editing or altering any photographs or videos, as modifications can compromise their authenticity and potentially render them inadmissible in court.

In addition to photographic and video evidence, it is essential to obtain official copies of the police accident report, as this document contains crucial details about the incident, including officer observations and witness statements. Medical records are another critical piece of evidence, as they document the extent of your injuries, the treatment received, and any long-term medical implications. If your vehicle was damaged, you should also keep records of repair estimates, receipts, and mechanic assessments.

If you have any physical evidence, such as damaged personal belongings or torn clothing, store them safely to prevent further deterioration. Organizing and securely storing all evidence will help ensure that your lawyer has the strongest possible foundation to build your case and maximize your compensation.

Seeking legal guidance after a car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. By taking the right steps at the scene, gathering key evidence, and preserving it properly, you can help strengthen your claim. A skilled car accident lawyer in Knoxville can navigate the complexities of personal injury law and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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