North Chicago & St. Louis Injury Updates
If you or somebody you love sustains an injury or property damage as a result of a vehicle accident in Illinois, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. This is particularly true if another driver’s actions caused the crash. However, securing compensation after a vehicle accident can be challenging. In order to prove liability for these claims, various types of evidence have to be obtained. Here, we want to discuss the most common types of evidence needed after an accident occurs in Illinois.
1. Photographs From the Scene
Some of the best evidence proving liability after vehicle accidents comes from photographs taken by those at the scene. We do need to note that this should only be done if it is safe to do so and if individuals are not seriously injured. Photographs can include vehicle damage, injuries, debris on the ground, skid marks, traffic and weather conditions, and more. Photographs should be taken at various angles and distances so that insurance carriers or personal injury juries can get a full idea of what happened.
2. Video Surveillance Footage
There are video cameras everywhere nowadays. This includes cameras on nearby homes for businesses, as well as dashcams and traffic cams. Even though individuals involved in a crash may not be able to get this footage immediately following a collision, they should make a note of any camera that they see so an attorney can work to gather this footage when building the case.
3. Vehicle “Black Box” Data
Every modern vehicle has a “black box” that records the internal workings of the vehicle at all times. In particular, these devices lock-in data about anything that happened to the vehicle in the moments leading up to a collision or an abrupt incident that triggered the device. Some of the data included on this device includes information such as a vehicle’s speed, location, brake application, turn signal usage, and more. Data from vehicle black boxes can be used to substantiate claims made by drivers and eyewitnesses.
4. The Accident Report
Every vehicle accident needs to be reported to local law enforcement so police officers can come to the scene and fill out an accident report. They will conduct preliminary investigations that will provide data that can be useful for insurance carriers and attorneys involved. Additionally, insurance carriers must have the police report in order to move forward with the claim.
5. Eyewitness Statements
If there were any eyewitnesses to the crash, their names and contact information needs to be gathered as soon as possible before they leave the scene. This can include drivers and passengers in other vehicles that may have been in the vicinity as well as any bystanders nearby. These individuals can provide testimony to insurance carriers or during a personal injury trial if necessary.
6. Mobile Device Data
If distracted driving is a suspected cause of a crash, it may be necessary to get information from mobile device carriers. This information can help substantiate claims of distracted driving by showing when an a driver was texting, calling, or using a data plan for streaming.
Working With an Attorney
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident caused by another driver in Chicago, you need to speak to a car accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can get involved and handle every aspect of your claim. They will have the resources necessary to vigorously negotiate with insurance carriers and help recover maximum compensation on your behalf.