Collecting Evidence After a Car Crash in South Carolina

After a car crash in South Carolina, you might need to collect various forms of evidence. This can seem like a daunting process for many injured plaintiffs – especially those struggling with ongoing medical treatment, PTSD, and various other concerns. However, you should at least develop a cursory understanding of how evidence may affect your case. Even a seemingly meaningless document or photograph could alter the trajectory of your injury lawsuit – potentially leading to higher levels of compensation.

Use Your Phone 

Plaintiffs today are very fortunate to have incredibly powerful evidence-gathering tools right at their fingertips. Take full advantage of this technology and use your smartphone to gather as much evidence as you can after the crash. If you are physically able, take photographs of the immediate crash scene. Videos can tell a more compelling story, so don’t be afraid to keep the camera rolling.

After you arrive at the hospital (and you should always accept medical assistance after a crash), continue to document your experiences. Photograph the various stages of the treatment, including surgeries, X-rays, wound treatment, and so on. At this stage, you might also consider starting a video, audio, or written journal. This can provide greater insights into your immediate experiences while the memories are still fresh in your mind. A journal can be used as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.

Your phone is also capable of taking screenshots, and this could be useful in a few situations. If the defendant has posted incriminating social media content, it might be worth screenshotting the images before they can delete them. For example, social media posts may indicate that the defendant was drinking or using drugs prior to the accident.

A defendant’s phone data may also be obtained during the discovery, pre-trial phase of the injury case. In certain situations, this data could help prove that the defendant was texting and driving moments before the crash.

 Make Copies of Documents 

If you receive documents throughout your healing process, always make copies and send at least one copy to your injury lawyers. These documents might include medical records, insurance letters, pay stubs, and so on. If an insurer tries to discuss details of your accident on the phone, you might want to hang up and communicate via email instead – ideally with guidance from your lawyer. Written communications can be used in court, while verbal conversations provide no “paper trail,” so to speak.

Find a Qualified Injury Attorney in South Carolina 

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced Charleston auto accident lawyer, look no further than Mickelsen Dalton, LLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue positive results after auto wrecks. We know how stressful and confusing these situations can be – but you’re not alone in this process. We can help you gather, compile, and preserve important evidence as you pursue compensation. Reach out today, book a consultation, and get started with an effective action plan.

Sources: 

injepijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40621-016-0073-8

set.gov.ph/resources/rules-on-electronic-evidence/