Why Evidence is Crucial for an Alaska Car Accident Case
Despite safety initiatives and raising awareness about the risks of car accidents, statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that these incidents still occur with alarming frequency. Every year, more than 2.5 million individuals seek emergency care for injuries from motor vehicle accidents and almost 37,000 people are killed in crashes. The losses for victims and their families can be extreme, from medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and lost quality of life.
Though you may be able to seek compensation for auto collision losses, your rights are not automatic. You must prove that you are entitled to monetary damages, a task that requires solid evidence. An Alaska car accident attorney can help you collect the information you need and ensure it is used to your advantage, but you might benefit from reviewing some basics.
The Role of Evidence in Alaska Auto Accidents
Evidence is any tangible item, statement, or other piece of information that either proves or disproves the facts in a lawsuit. For a car crash claim, evidence might include anything that:
- Establishes fault by the driver allegedly responsible for the collision;
- Indicates that the victim’s action could have contributed to the accident; and,
- Provides details about the victim’s injuries.
Evidence to Support an Auto Crash Case
With these three points in mind, you can see how certain types of information would be useful in supporting an insurance claim or in court.
- Photo Evidence: Visual information can be compelling as it pertains to fault, so make sure to capture images of the scene, position of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks. Plus, pictures can also be useful for demonstrating the severity of a car accident, such as photos of damage to vehicles.
- Police Report: When police are called to the scene of a collision, officers will complete a report that can serve as evidence. The paperwork will include a summary of information from the officer’s perspective, so it may include facts and subjective opinions.
- Vehicle Event Data Recorders: Most newer vehicles are equipped with a black box, which records information about the car’s systems in the moments leading up to impact. The recorder may capture data indicating that you were traveling the speed limit, or swerved and applied the brakes to avoid a collision.
- Witnesses: Bystanders who observed the car accident may provide evidence through statements to police and insurers, as well as testimony in court. As neutral parties, the credibility of witnesses can go a long way.
Talk to an Alaska Auto Accident Lawyer About Your Options
If you were hurt in a car collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you can see that strong evidence is essential. You may put your rights at risk without crucial information to support your claim, so trust an experienced attorney to handle the legal side of things. For more information on your remedies, please contact Power & Power Law to set up a free consultation at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska.