What Types of Evidence Are Important in a Car Accident Case in Los Angeles?

When you or a loved one experiences a car crash in Los Angeles, gathering essential evidence can be vital for winning your legal case. However, you don’t have to struggle alone. Morgan & Morgan knows that dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be stressful, time-consuming, and frustrating. Our tenacious car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate this challenging time.

We have successfully represented thousands of car accident victims and could help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses. Let us collect and present the evidence required to prove your legal case. Get started today and contact us for a free consultation.

Crucial Evidence in Los Angeles Car Accident Claims

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, and the legal proceedings that follow are often overwhelming and intimidating for victims. Understanding the vital types of evidence can help build a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve. Some of the most critical evidence to prove your claim includes the following:

Photographs and Video Evidence

Photographs and videos of the accident scene can be beneficial in a car accident case. If you are involved in a crash in Los Angeles, take as many photographs as possible of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, any injuries, and the surrounding area.

Police Accident Report

The police report is critical evidence in a car accident case. When you call law enforcement to attend to your accident, an officer will create a document with the accident’s details, such as:

• Time and location of the accident
• Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
• Names and contact information of the drivers and passengers involved

The report may also contain the officer’s observations, statements from the involved drivers and eyewitnesses, and any traffic citations issued.

Eyewitness Statements

Eyewitness testimony can be powerful evidence in your car accident case. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information at the crash scene. Witnesses can describe the paths of the vehicles, the speed at which they were traveling, and the actions of the drivers involved. They can help to corroborate other available evidence and establish fault.

Your Medical Records

Comprehensive medical records are vital for the success of your Los Angeles car accident case. They document your injuries, the treatments you received, and any ongoing medical issues you may have. Medical records and physician statements can also help establish the severity of your injuries and their overall impact on your life. Keep all medical bills and receipts related to your injuries, as they are required for calculating your damages.

Expert Witness Testimony

Statements from expert witnesses can provide insight into your car accident case’s technical and medical aspects. For example, an accident reconstruction expert can analyze the crash and provide an opinion on who was at fault. A medical expert witness can explain the scope of your injuries. Expert testimony is a valuable tool in building a solid case.

Cell Phone Records

Many Los Angeles accidents happen due to distracted driving. If the other driver used their cell phone while driving, a car accident lawyer could request cell phone records, which can be critical evidence. Records can show whether the other driver was talking or texting during the accident. Since using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal in California, obtaining cell phone records can be beneficial for establishing negligence.

Traffic Camera Footage

If traffic or surveillance cameras are in the area, an attorney can help you request a copy of the footage. Video evidence can show the movements of the vehicles before, during, and after the accident and can be critical for establishing fault.

Vehicle Maintenance Records

Vehicle maintenance records could provide vital evidence if a mechanical failure, such as a faulty brake system or worn tires, caused the accident. If you are involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Los Angeles, such as a truck or delivery van, service and repair records can be crucial for establishing liability. Records can show whether the vehicles were maintained correctly or whether there were any known issues that the responsible party failed to fix.

Social Media Posts

In today’s digital age, social media activity can be an essential source of evidence in a car accident case. For example, if the other driver made social media posts indicating they were distracted or impaired during the accident, the post could be used to establish fault.

If you are injured, gathering the necessary evidence to strengthen your case can be taxing. However, an experienced car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can collect all the critical evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Proving a Los Angeles Car Accident Case

To win your car accident case, the evidence you and your car accident lawyer collect must prove the four elements of a personal injury case, which include:

1. Duty of care

In a car accident case, the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) must prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care and had a legal obligation to act in a way that would not cause harm to the plaintiff.

2. Breach of duty

The plaintiff must also show that the defendant breached their duty, meaning they acted carelessly or recklessly in causing the accident.

3. Causation

The third element the injured victim and their lawyer must prove in a car accident case is causation. Causation links the plaintiff’s injuries to the defendant’s breach of duty.

4. Damages

Without damages, the plaintiff has no legal case against the defendant. The fourth element of a car accident case is to prove that the plaintiff suffered damages due to the defendant’s breach of duty, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and others.  

Your Next Best Steps in the Days After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

After a car accident, victims must take specific steps to protect themselves and their rights. The first few moments after a crash can be chaotic and confusing, especially if you are severely injured. However, once the dust has settled, there are several things you can do in the days after a collision:

Seek Medical Attention

If you suffered injuries in a car accident, seeking medical attention as soon as possible can be crucial for your well-being and car accident case. Even if you do not feel any immediate pain, it is always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to ensure there are no undetected injuries.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company promptly of the accident. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the time and location and the other party’s information. Your insurance company can also inform you about the steps required to file a claim.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant car damage, hiring a car accident attorney can protect you and help recover the compensation you need to get back on your feet. An experienced car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can handle your legal claim from start to finish, allowing you to concentrate on healing.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

Keep detailed records of all medical bills, property damage, rental car fees, and other expenses related to the accident. When filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you will need these records to prove your losses.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

You must follow your medical treatment plan, attend all necessary medical appointments, and take the prescribed medication. Not following your doctor’s orders may harm your health and negatively impact legal proceedings.

Take Care of Yourself

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is often stressful and exhausting. Self-care can be vital for a speedy recovery during this challenging time. Ensure to eat well, get enough rest, and seek support from friends and family if needed.