Building a strong case for you in court is a car accident lawyer’s responsibility. However, many car accidents aren’t straightforward, open-and-shut cases. They require significant investigation to make sure the right people are held accountable. 

Before deciding to go to court, a Los Angeles auto attorney will review your case and advise the best course of action based on the information available to them.  

Your attorney will look for key pieces of information to help them learn about your case and what they can offer you. To ensure the best possible outcome, we recommend you come to your free consultation prepared with all, or most, of these pieces of evidence.  

Police Report 

Filing a police report after an accident is a good idea, even for minor collisions. This allows authorities to legally clarify fault, damages, and preserve the scene. It also allows the police to arrest drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the scene. Having a neutral third party to authenticate the scene ensures an unbiased point of view.  

Photos and Video 

Pictures are worth a thousand words, as they say. Having multiple photos of an accident that documents the immediate damage can go a long way in helping your car accident lawyer determine if you have a case.  

If you have dashcam footage, even better! Having front and rear video evidence of an accident can greatly help an auto attorney piece together the incident and confidently guide you into the next steps of your claim. 

Surveillance Video  

If you don’t have footage, don’t worry. In some cases, lawyers can gain access to surveillance videos from businesses in the area. Depending on how quickly you meet with a Los Angeles car attorney, you may be able to obtain some footage.  

Witness Statements 

In minor crashes, it’s rare to have witnesses give testimony. In crashes that result in death or major damage, it’s a vital piece of information to help the insurance, police, and lawyers recreate the accident and prosecute appropriately.  

Medical Records 

Car accident injuries can lead to permanent damage. We always recommended our clients visit the doctor after an accident to ensure a clean bill of health. Get a record of all medical visits and expenses related to the accident. Car accident attorneys look at these records to help build your case and ensure the best defense possible.  

Physical Damages 

After a car accident, we have adrenaline pumping through our veins. This numbs us to any immediate pain. That’s why it’s best to visit a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that any injuries related to the accident are reported and accounted for before meeting with a car accident lawyer. These are some of the common injuries we look for: 

Broken Bones – Broken bones can cause complications to your recovery depending on the severity. Clean fractures are easier to recover from than a completely shattered bone that would require surgery and a lengthy recovery to mend. 

Concussions – In many cases, it takes anywhere from a week to a month to properly recover from a concussion. If untreated, this can cause an even more traumatic brain injury.

Damaged Organs – Internal bleeding is not normal! If your organs are injured in an accident, it can cause dizziness, chest pain, and even death. 

Spinal or Neck Injuries – Whiplash is the most common spinal and neck injury that affects over two million people per year. In car accidents, it is the most common spinal injury. If not treated appropriately, it can lead to chronic pain and, in some cases, paralysis. 

Emotional and Mental Damages 

When people think of car accident injuries, they think of physical injuries. While those are the most common, an attorney will also ask for records of any emotional and mental trauma that manifests after an accident. While everyone experiences trauma differently, there are a few symptoms to look for after an accident: 

Avoidance – Car accidents can be traumatic, no matter how small. If you find yourself experiencing difficulties being on the road again, that could be a sign of a larger issue. It’s best to speak to a professional about your mental or emotional wellbeing after an accident.   

Anxiety – Shock after an accident is normal. However, debilitating anxiety can affect how you recover. If you find yourself in a constant state of anxiety no matter what you do, seek professional help and support from your loved ones to cope with this stress. 

Depression – Like anxiety, depression can also manifest after an accident. If you notice your behavior has drastically changed as a direct result of an accident, seek professional help. Loved ones can support you through whatever treatment is deemed appropriate by your mental health professional. 

Night Terrors – Nightmares and being unable to sleep out of fear are also manifestations of trauma after a car accident. Lack of proper sleep can negatively impact everyone and can lead to serious health problems. If you notice this in yourself or a loved one, seek medical attention. You never have to suffer in silence. 

Cell Phone Records 

If you or the other party is suspected of texting while driving, you will be asked to provide your phone records. Access to these records can prove if you were texting, browsing the web, using an app, or talking on the phone when the accident occurred.  

FAQ 

What if I Don’t Have All This Evidence?  

No problem! While your case would be stronger with all this information, we know it may not be possible to collect everything. Do your best to bring everything you can to your lawyer. Once you file your claim, your car accident attorney can help you obtain more evidence.  

I Had Passengers in the Car Crash; Do They Count as Witnesses? 

If you were driving with your family or friends, they do not count as witnesses as they would have a conflict of interest. If this was a part of a job as a rideshare driver or delivery driver, you would benefit from speaking to a Los Angeles auto attorney. 

What if My Loved One Died at the Scene?  

We can only imagine the trauma you may have experienced, and we will do everything in our power to help. In California, you have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in the deceased’s stead. When you’re ready, reach out to a Los Angeles car accident attorney to secure justice for your loved one. 

What if I Don’t Feel Injured? 

We always recommend car accident victims get checked out by a healthcare professional. Shock and adrenaline mask many symptoms of car accident injuries. Soreness, aches, mobility problems, headaches, and more are common signs you should be seen by a doctor after a car accident in Los Angeles. 

What if I Was Listening to Music Connected to My Phone?  

Phone records can show if you were actively using your phone or if you had a playlist on and let it play. Listening to Spotify, Apple Music, or any other music player at the time of an accident will not immediately mark you as liable.  

The knowledgeable lawyers at Vaziri Law, LLP, have helped clients receive over $1 billion dollars through car accident settlements and verdicts.  Our dedicated team fights for you and your families to ensure the best solution possible. Schedule your consultation today!