Just about every person on the Florida roadways has a cell phone. Though they can be the result of a serious accident, cell phones, especially smartphones, can also be used to help you document your Daytona Beach car accident and your injuries.
Phone technology has gone way beyond sending and receiving calls and text messages. In this article, our team of experienced car accident attorneys discusses simple ways to use your cell phone to document your car accident.
Call 911 for Help
No matter how slight your accident or injuries appear, the first thing you should do is dial 911 for help. In some instances, accident injury symptoms don’t appear until hours or days following a collision. Evidence collected and documented by police can help substantiate your injury case, such as:
- Police report
- Witness statements
- Citations issued
In addition, police will record detailed information from the accident scene, including:
- Location of vehicles
- Road conditions
- Any paint transfers
- Tire marks
Take Pictures
Photo evidence can serve as your best piece of evidence, especially if your personal injury case goes before a jury. If you are physically able, you should use your camera function on your phone to snap as many pictures as possible. Take pictures of the following:
- The actual accident scene, including all vehicles involved in the crash.
- The damage to your own vehicle.
- License plates of all vehicles.
- People involved in the crash.
- Driver’s licenses, registration and insurance information of the other drivers.
- Your injuries, no matter how slight they appear.
Take Video Footage
Weather, road, and traffic conditions can be difficult to describe and remember down the road. Use your video application to document as much of this information as possible.
Use Your Note Application
You will also want to document the accident in writing. Many smartphones include a note application. Type in everything you can think of about the accident. This will help strengthen your case.
You Are Your Own Private Investigator
If you are injured due to the negligence of another person or entity, you might be entitled to compensation. However, your claim for benefits will likely be determined by the documentation you collect. Use today’s technology to protect your financial future.
Call a Car Accident Attorney
You can count on the fact that the other party’s insurance company will contact you. Do not speak to them or give any statements until you talk to your own car accident attorney. Their goal is to discredit your case, and they can seriously jeopardize any documentation you gather at the accident scene.
If you or someone you know has been seriously been injured in a car accident caused by another motorist, contact one of our experienced Daytona Beach car accident attorneys at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A. at (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890. Complete our online contact form for a free case evaluation.