New Mexico is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning the driver found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damage they caused. However, for the insurance company to offer you fair compensation, you must have evidence that the other driver is actually at fault and the full extent of your damages.
The experienced car accident lawyers from Caruso Law Offices can help collect and analyze evidence in car accident cases. Here are the various types of evidence that may apply in your car accident case and how it can affect your claim:
Police Reports
When you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately call 911 and request that a law enforcement officer respond to the scene. Once there, the police officer can investigate the crash, gather crucial information, and prepare an official report. This report may include important information that can help prove fault and the identity of the at-fault driver, including the following:
- The other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- The exact time and location of the accident
- A diagram of the crash site
- Notes about road and weather conditions
- Information about whether the other driver received a traffic citation
Photos or Videos of the Accident
Today, everyone has a cell phone on them, which can create an immediate record of the accident. Additionally, nearby traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, or dash cameras may have recorded the accident.
If possible, try to document the following:
- Skid marks, tire tread, and other physical evidence
- Road and weather conditions
- Nearby traffic signals and signs
- Damage to the location and severity of the damage to each involved vehicle
- Your injuries
Event Data Recorders
Most contemporary vehicles have event data recorders that can document critical evidence leading up to the accident, including:
- Speed
- Braking
- Steering input
- When airbags were deployed
- GPS locations
This valuable information can help determine if the other driver was speeding, failed to brake, or otherwise acted negligently in operating their motor vehicle.
Witness Statements
Witness statements can be incredibly valuable when the drivers have opposing versions of what happened. Witnesses are objective and have no stake in the claim, so their statements are often given greater weight by insurance companies.
Property Damage Reports
Property damage reports can contain important information about where the vehicle was damaged. This information can help accident reconstruction experts and other professionals evaluate how the crash occurred.
Car Maintenance Records
Some accidents are caused by mechanical failures. Maintenance records can help determine whether the other vehicle’s owner neglected necessary maintenance and is responsible for the resulting accident.
Medical Records
Your medical records can show the direct connection between the accident and your injuries. They can also indicate how the injuries have affected you and the amount you were billed.
Wage Statements
Check stubs, letters from your employer, and other wage loss statements can indicate the amount of money you lost because you could not work due to your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Contact Lawyer for Help Gathering Evidence in Your Case
If someone else caused your injuries, you could be owed considerable compensation for your injuries. The expert injury lawyers at Caruso Law Offices can investigate your case and gather the evidence you need to establish your claim for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.