Types of Evidence That are Important in Car Accidents in St. Louis

Car accidents can be life-threatening and can turn your world upside down. St. Louis is fast becoming infamous for its road rage and the increasing number of fatalities. 

Last year, a 17-year-old Tennessee girl was hit by a car that had skipped a red light. The impact was so severe that the doctors had to amputate her legs. And, also, she was a volleyball player who had just come to town for a match! This isn’t just a one-off case. There are thousands of such accidents happening on St. Louis streets each year. 

In the unfortunate event of an accident, what choices do you have? You can fight a legal battle and bring the culprits to justice. Additionally, this will also position you to receive compensation for the injuries and trauma you have experienced. However, according to TorHoerman Law, you need concrete evidence to support your claims. This process can be grueling and difficult.

In this blog post, we will shed light on critical pieces of evidence that can make or break your case. 

Photographic Evidence

In car accidents, that are commonplace in St. Louis, photos are priceless evidence. Capturing the right images at the scene can make all the difference. Let us explore why photographic evidence is so crucial after a crash.

A. Why Photos Matter

Photographs provide objective, unbiased, and visual documentation of the accident scene. They preserve critical details that memories might blur or distort over time. Insurance adjusters and legal teams rely heavily on photographic evidence to understand what happened.

B. What to Photograph

Document any damage to vehicles involved, including your own and others. Capture the positions of the cars, skid marks, and surrounding road conditions. Take shots of traffic signs, the number plate of the other car (if possible), surrounding areas,  and any visible injuries or property damage.

C. Smart Phone Photography Tips

Ensure your smartphone camera lens is clean for crystal-clear images. Use gridlines to maintain straight horizons and proper framing of shots. Avoid zooming in, as it can reduce image quality; instead, move closer if possible.

D. Wide and Close-Up Shots

Begin with wide shots to establish the overall scene and context. Include landmarks or street signs to pinpoint the location. With the city filled with road signs, this can be a big piece of evidence. 

Then, focus on close-ups of specific damage, debris, or relevant details. Thoroughly document from various angles for a comprehensive visual record.

Witness Statements

Amid the commotion at the accident site, unbiased onlookers could prove to be valuable allies. Witness statements play a vital role in constructing a car accident claim as they offer an unbiased account of the incident. 

They, in contrast to the parties involved in the accident, have no personal interest in the outcome of the claim. This lack of bias allows them to provide accounts that are more objective and unbiased.

A. Approaching Potential Witnesses

After an accident, approach any potential witnesses with the same friendly demeanor that St. Louisans are known for. You can be at the Delmar Loop or the tranquil neighborhoods of Chesterfield; introduce yourself with a warm smile and explain your urgency. Inquire if they would be open to sharing their observations.

If you are going to them a few days after the accident, you might want to take your St. Louis auto accident lawyer along. They will know all the relevant questions that must be asked. There has been some delay in approaching the witnesses. So, you might as well let the experience of your lawyer come into play and save precious time.  

B. Dealing with Challenges

Some witnesses might be apprehensive to get involved or provide statements. Others may have conflicting accounts of what happened. Remain courteous and don’t pressure them. Focus on collecting as much reliable information as possible.

By gathering this evidence at the scene, you will be better prepared for insurance claims and legal proceedings down the line.

Police Reports and Medical Records

Missouri follows the pure comparative fault rule. Here, even if you are at fault to some extent for an accident, you can still claim compensation. Nevertheless, you will receive a decreased sum, depending on your share in the accident. Police reports and medical records play a vital role in this procedure.

Police Reports

In St. Louis, the Metropolitan Police Department, located at 1915 Olive Street, responds to car accidents and files reports. They are generally among the first responders along with medical aid. 

If you’re involved in a crash within city limits, you can obtain a copy of the police report from this center. Reports are typically available within 5-7 business days after the accident. For accidents in St. Louis County, reports can be requested from the St. Louis County Police Department’s records division.

Medical Records

Your documented medical journey can be an invaluable asset in proving the extent of injuries. These records provide a detailed account of the extent of your injuries and the progress of your treatment. 

What’s even more significant is that they assist in creating a vivid depiction of the effects the accident has had on your physical and mental state. In St. Louis, where personal injury claims must be filed within five years, it is crucial to have thorough medical records. They offer a detailed account of your recovery journey and any obstacles that may persist.

Without these records, it can be challenging to link your injuries to the accident, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

To conclude, evidence is the only thing connecting an accident to the legal journey for compensation. Without it, the courts will have no basis to believe you and your claims will fall on deaf ears. 

All the damages, your injuries, the psychological turmoil after the accident—everything can be nullified by the defendants. Hence, it is really important that in the wake of an accident, you remember to collect critical evidence.