When you find yourself involved in a car accident in Laredo, the first thing you want to do is focus on getting better. But while you’re recovering from the shock and any physical injuries, the next critical step is ensuring you’ve gathered enough evidence to support your claim for compensation.
Laredo’s unique mix of busy urban traffic and border-town conditions means that car accidents here can be more complicated than in other parts of Texas. Also, accidents happen often in Laredo, and they are usually influenced by many factors, so having the right evidence is your best shot at winning your case.
An accident attorney in Laredo can help your case and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Types of Evidence You’ll Need for Your Car Accident Claim in Laredo
Here are the types of evidence you should gather:
Photographs and videos of the crash scene
Photos and videos are one of the most reliable ways to capture the scene of the accident and give you a clear, visual representation of the events. In Laredo, this is especially important because the area can be prone to weather changes that affect visibility, like heavy rain or fog.
Take pictures of the following:
- Vehicle damage (from multiple angles)
- Road conditions (wet pavement, potholes, etc.)
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- The position of vehicles immediately after the crash
- Any relevant traffic signs, signals, or other signals that might have been ignored
- Injuries sustained by you or passengers
These images will help your lawyer make a compelling case and counter any attempts to downplay the severity of your accident.
Police report
Whenever you’re involved in a car accident in Laredo, it’s vital to call the police. Not only is this required by law in many cases, but the police report serves as a critical piece of evidence in your case.
Officers typically interview witnesses, gather physical evidence, and write up a report that includes important details.
The police report acts as an impartial, third-party account of the incident, which is highly valued by insurance adjusters and courts.
Medical records
Your medical records will show the extent of your injuries and the treatments you’ve received. When you seek medical care right after the accident, it creates a documented link between the crash and your injuries, which is essential in proving damages.
For example, if you suffered a whiplash injury, your medical records will detail the pain you’re experiencing, the treatments prescribed, and the long-term effects of your condition.
Accident reconstruction expert
Sometimes, car accidents can be complicated to understand, especially when there are conflicting reports or unclear evidence.
In cases like these, an accident reconstruction expert can help. They use physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to recreate the scene of the accident and help clarify the sequence of events.
For example, they might be able to calculate the speed of both vehicles at the time of impact or determine the point of collision, which can be vital in proving fault.
Dashcam and traffic camera footage
If you or another vehicle involved in the crash had a dashcam, or if there are nearby traffic cameras in Laredo, this footage could be golden.
Dashcams often capture everything happening on the road, including the actions of the other driver leading up to the accident. Traffic cameras, especially in busy intersections, often catch critical moments of the crash, such as the position of vehicles, traffic signals, and even the speed at which vehicles were traveling.
Make sure to request this footage quickly, as video footage can be deleted or overwritten after a short period.
