When a collision happens, it’s important to understand what evidence to collect after a car accident in New Mexico.
Key Takeaways
- Evidence from an accident scene can help you build a strong car accident claim
- Reporting the accident to the police can also help you compile evidence
- Official reports and third-party records can be invaluable evidence after a car accident
- Medical records help you prove the severity of your injuries and the extent of your loss
Evidence to Secure Directly From the Scene
The evidence you gather can be critical to pursue a successful claim for compensation after a crash. While your first focus must be on safety and treating your injuries, gathering evidence ensures that important information is not lost.
Evidence from the scene of the crash that can help you build a strong car accident claim includes:
- Witness information: By gathering the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene, you can reach out to them later if you need support for your side of the story.
- Photographs: Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, vehicle positions, and vehicle damage can help tell the story of what happened.
- Video surveillance: Note surveillance cameras on storefronts or homes in case you need video proof of what happened.
Official Reports and Third-Party Records
There can be many causes for a New Mexico car accident. Official records, such as police reports and repair records, provide objective evidence that directly relates to the cause of your accident. These official records mean that you are no longer making an argument that is simply your word against the defendants. You have tangible evidence you can point to about how the accident happened and of your medical condition.
Police Accident Report
A police report provides valuable factual information and may help insurance companies evaluate your claim. You can also use the information in a police report to identify additional evidence to collect, such as toxicology reports or cell phone records.
If you call the police and law enforcement investigates, officers will prepare a crash report. This report documents the scene, identifies the parties involved, and includes observations about the accident.
Emergency Medical Services Records
After a car accident in New Mexico, you may need help from emergency services. Paramedics might treat you at the scene or transport you to the hospital. In either case, their records will document your condition in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) records illustrate how your injuries were related to the accident and demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
Traffic Camera or Surveillance Footage
Video footage can provide clear, unquestionable evidence of exactly how the crash occurred. This is invaluable if you need to resolve disputes over who was at fault.
Cameras located at nearby businesses or homes may have captured the crash. Traffic cameras can also capture collisions. This evidence can provide clear insight into drivers’ behavior in the moments before and during the crash.
Vehicle Inspection and Repair Records
Records related to the vehicle’s inspection and repairs, including repair estimates and mechanic reports, can help demonstrate the severity of the crash and support property damage claims.
Post-Accident Medical and Financial Documentation
Proving the cause of your accident is one part of your claim. You also must prove the extent of your damages. Medical and financial documentation can show the extent of your losses.
Medical records can be used to prove your injuries were crash-related and to demonstrate the severity of your damages.
You should obtain medical records from every provider and keep a record of all treatment you received, including ER visits, primary care visits, specialists, physical therapists, and chiropractors. These records will provide a consistent, clear view of the damage you sustained.
Medical Bills and Prescription Expenses
Save every bill related to your treatment, including payments for medications, imaging, rehabilitation services, copays, coinsurance costs, and medical equipment. These bills and receipts are proof of your economic damages and out-of-pocket costs.
Lost Wage Documentation
In an accident claim, you are entitled to recovery for lost wages and a loss of earning capacity. Keep track of the days you missed work to document your lost wages.
Examples of documentation showing missed work include verification letters from your employer, pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of sick leave, vacation time, or FMLA leave.
Receipts for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You are also entitled to recover compensation for out-of-pocket losses in your accident’s aftermath. Receipts prove the extent of your losses.
Keep records of the amount you paid for transportation to medical appointments, parking costs, medical devices you purchased, home health aides, home renovations to make your home handicapped accessible, and other proof of costs incurred due to your injuries.
Common Evidence Traps to Avoid
In addition to collecting the right evidence after an accident, you should avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. Some of these mistakes include:
- Leaving the accident scene without taking photos or getting witness information
- Failing to report the accident to the police
- Delaying medical treatment
- Failing to keep receipts or paperwork related to your injuries
- Talking to an insurance company without fully understanding your rights
- Posting information about the accident on social media
- Repairing your vehicle before documenting the damage
Calling a New Mexico car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help you to ensure you avoid mistakes that could make recovering full and fair compensation harder. At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you protect your rights and preserve the necessary evidence after a crash.
Get Help with Your Claim
Our case results and client testimonials reflect our commitment to helping accident victims preserve their claims and protect their rights to recover compensation. Our team begins working to prove your claim from day one. Contact us online or call us at (505) 391-8978. When you need us, we are here, Protecting the West, one case at a time.
Recovering after a car crash can be challenging, especially when dealing with injuries and insurance claims. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to take the burden off your shoulders and fight for your rights, so you can focus on healing.
