Our Personal Injury Lawyers always recommend that following a road traffic accident, you should obtain details of the incident and the driver, where possible. This may include the driver’s name, their contact number and the vehicle’s registration number. If the driver refuses to provide you with their personal details, simply take a photo or note down the details of their number plate as your Lawyer may be able to trace the driver using just this.
Any evidence that you are able to obtain will support your version of events, showing that you did not cause the accident or that you took action to prevent the collision from occurring. Evidence can be sought in many different forms and the more evidence the better. Evidence will play an integral role in proving any damages both physical and financial, that were caused as a result of the accident. We explain the various forms of acceptable evidence, and why they are beneficial for your claim.
- Photographic evidence
Photographs of the road, surroundings and vehicles will prove that you were where you said you were at the time of the accident. They will help to show the accident scene in real time and help to capture evidence of the cause of the accident i.e. a pothole or tire marks.
- Video evidence
Dash cams have become a common way to support claims as they show what happened on the road, and how you acted in response to this. They can show how the accident was caused, i.e. whether a driver took over you or if they were speeding. They can also provide evidence of any witnesses of the accident.
- Witness reports
Witness drivers may choose to provide their details and a testimony which can be used to support your claim.
- Diary of events
It is good practice to note down your version of events either as soon as you can or when you remember them so that you can refer back to this as your claim progresses. No detail is too small, so be sure to write down everything which happens relating to your case i.e. the time and date your insurance company rang you.
- Police statements
If the police are required to attend the scene, they will conduct interviews and be required to complete documentation about the accident which can be used to support your claim.
- Doctors notes
Notes from a doctor’s examination will show the extent of your injuries. If you visit a doctor or physiotherapist before instructing a Lawyer, be sure to provide your Lawyer with their details so they can obtain a full copy of your records. These may show the type of treatment you have had or need and how long it will take you to recover. Your Lawyer will refer to this when determining the level of compensation you should receive.
- Receipts for expenses
Your Lawyer will help you to obtain compensation for not only your physical damages but also your financial losses which have been incurred as a result of the accident. It is vital that you provide your Lawyer with any evidence that shows that you have suffered a financial loss i.e. a sick note will show that you have been unable to go to work and suffered a financial loss.
It is important to note that you may feel that minor details are not necessary, however, informing your Lawyer of even the most minor details may have a huge impact on the result of your claim.
Unfortunately, in many cases the other driver fails to stop, establishing the accident as a ‘hit and run’. Drivers may fail to stop due to the fact they are simply unaware of their responsibility to stop, or due to a conscious decision not to stop as they are uninsured or under the influence. Fortunately, in the UK, if you are involved in an accident involving an untraced driver you may be entitled to compensation from a government scheme known as the Motor Insurers Bureau which operates an Untraced Driver’s Compensation Scheme. Unfortunately, the Untraced Driver Scheme has strict rules and time limits and can be complex and difficult to deal with. Our Untraced Driver Accident Team can help you with your claim against the MIB to ensure you recover your full entitlement to compensation.
Road traffic accident claims can be complicated and distressing, and they can often bring back unwanted memories for the victim, which is why our Personal Injury Lawyers are on hand to handle your claim from start to finish whilst you focus on your recovery. Our Personal Injury Team have over 39 years’ experience in helping victims of road traffic accidents to secure compensation for their future. For many years they have successfully helped victims all over the UK, specifically those in the East Midlands and rural Lincolnshire to include Skegness, Boston, Louth, Lincoln and Grimsby. If you have been the victim of an accident and you think you may be entitled to compensation, call our Road Traffic Accident Lawyers today on 01754 897150 or submit a contact form now and a member of the Team will call you.