What Information Should You Gather After a Car Accident?

After being involved in a serious car accident, gathering information is typically one of the last things on your mind –if you’re seriously injured, this may not even be possible. The information you’re able to get, however, can play a critical role in the outcome of your car accident injury claim. In this blog, our Long Island car accident attorneys take a look at some of the most important pieces of information to gather after a serious car accident.

1. The License Plate

If you’re able to, make sure to jot down the license plate number of the other vehicle, or vehicles, involved in your accident. Although you may have the other driver’s license information, this does not mean that they own the car. Knowing who’s car hit you can be critical in a Long Island car accident injury claim.

2. Photographs

Most people take photos of the damage to their car after an accident, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. You should also try to take pictures of the entire accident scene, including the other vehicles, the surrounding area, and any skidmarks on the road. You should also take photos of any injuries you’ve suffered – although medical attention always takes priority. With the huge capacity of modern smartphones, there’s no reason not to take as many pictures as you can.

3. Witness Information

If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their name, address, and phone number. You should not attempt to get a statement from them – let your Long Island car accident attorney handle that. It can also be helpful to visit nearby businesses or homes to locate other witnesses.

4. Police Report

A police report can be a powerful piece of evidence in your case, but don’t assume that a report will be filed just because an officer arrived at the scene. Make sure you speak with the officer, request an accident report, and get the officer’s identification information for later follow-up.

This is just some of the information that may be useful in a car accident injury claim. If you or a loved one has been hurt, call (631) 925-2117 today to seek justice.