Evidence is critical in a motor vehicle claim. You can only recover compensation if you meet the burden of proof in a personal injury case. Conducting an investigation is one way of obtaining essential facts, though it is also possible to get evidence through Maryland’s rules on discovery. There are two types of evidence that are of particular importance in a car collision. They are crucial for different reasons. Trust your Baltimore County, MD auto accident attorney to handle the specifics, but an overview may be useful.
Auto Accident Evidence Related to Fault
Most auto accident cases are based on negligence. Which means you need to show that the other motorist breached the legal duty to exercise reasonable care when driving. Your statement about what happened is important, but other evidence may be even more compelling. Examples include:
- Surveillance or Red Light Camera Footage: Businesses around the accident scene may have installed video surveillance cameras for security purposes. In some cases, these devices could also have recorded the circumstances surrounding the collision. Some urban areas that use red light cameras to catch traffic violations may have also captured footage that can show fault.
- Eye Witness Testimony: If there were bystanders or others in nearby cars, these individuals may provide important witness testimony regarding who caused the crash.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts are specially trained to identify fault by looking at pictures of the vehicles and physical conditions at the scene of the auto accident. They rely on their background in physics, as well as advanced software and 3D imaging, to determine how the collision happened.
Auto Accident Evidence of Injury and Property Damage Losses
Another component of a negligence-based case is showing that you suffered losses as a result of your injuries and the damage to your car. Important evidence for this element of a claim includes:
- Medical Records: Documents related to diagnosis, procedures, and treatment are essential for showing the nature and extent of your injuries.
- Repair Bills: If your vehicle sustained damage, you may be able to recover any costs expended to fix or replace it. In an accident that was not your fault, you would seek compensation from the responsible motorist’s insurance company.
- Pay Stubs: In the event that you can not work because of your injuries, you can pursue lost wages as part of your auto accident claim. Your pay stubs and income tax records are necessary to prove this type of damages.
- Expert Testimony: For some claims, you must rely on medical experts to translate your medical records to a layperson that may not understand some of the more technical terminology. A physician can also explain the concepts of pain and suffering when you sustain certain types of injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Baltimore County Auto Accident Lawyer
If you have questions regarding the types of evidence that are important in a motor vehicle collision case, please contact attorney Michael A. Freedman. We can set up a no-cost consultation to review your circumstances, and conduct additional investigations into fault and losses. Our team will ensure that we have enough evidence to firmly establish your right to compensation.
