Being involved in a rideshare accident in Brooklyn can be a confusing and stressful experience. Unlike a typical car accident involving two private parties, a rideshare accident will involve the drivers, the rideshare company, and various insurance providers. When multiple parties are involved, determining liability and who is responsible for compensation can be difficult. That being the case, knowing what information to collect after an accident goes a long way to protecting your rights and strengthening your claim. In this post, the team at Gabriel Law, as your car accident lawyer in Brooklyn, will share our insights about what information you need to gather and why it matters when building your case.
Why is gathering information important for your claim?
The information you collect after an accident can significantly impact your compensation claim. The evidence can be used to establish the liability of the party at fault, demonstrate the extent of the damages and injuries suffered, provide solid proof as part of your insurance claim, and meet legal standards such as the serious injury threshold. By gathering the information needed, you make sure that you walk away with a settlement that covers everything and allows you to properly move on from the accident.
What evidence and information should you collect?
Here are the key pieces of evidence and information that you should collect to present a strong and compelling claim for compensation:
- Photographs and videos —Photographs and videos of the vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
- Medical information – Doctor’s notes, ER reports, diagnosis tests (MRI, X-rays), and prescriptions.
- Financial documents – Pay stubs, invoices, and letters from employers.
- Insurance and contact information – Names, contact information (phone and email), driving licence information, and insurance information.
- Witness information – Contact information of witnesses and recorded witness statements (oral or written).
- Official reports – 911 reports, police reports, and DMV reports of motor accident reports.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
As we’ve emphasised at the start, proper evidence can make or break a case. But with the stress and confusion of the moment, it can be easy to make mistakes that compromise evidence and weaken your case. These mistakes can then be exploited by insurance companies to dispute liability and reduce the compensation paid out.
That being the case, the first step of avoiding these costly mistakes is knowing what they are. As a car accident lawyer in Manhattan, here are some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen people make when gathering evidence for their car accident compensation claims.
- Failing to gather evidence at the scene of the accident – Evidence is strongest when it is captured soon after the accident occurs. When the cars are moved, the weather changes, or witnesses leave the scene, the effectiveness is lost.
- Not taking enough photos or videos – Most people assume that one or two photographs or videos are enough. As a result, they miss shots from critical angles, do not record road conditions, and forget to capture injuries.
- Ignoring witness information – Witnesses can provide detailed, unbiased accounts of an accident. When you do not collect witness names and contact information, you will lose this vital link.
- Skipping police reports – Most drivers don’t file police reports when they perceive the accident as a minor incident. When there are no official records of the accident, it can make it difficult to prove your case and claim compensation.
- Not keeping organised records – When you don’t keep the organised evidence you’ve gathered, it is possible to miss critical information that would have helped your case.
- Waiting too long to collect evidence – When your case hinges on evidence, time is not on your side. Over time, surveillance footage can be erased, evidence can deteriorate, and witnesses’ memories can fade. When you lose critical evidence, walking away with a settlement becomes even more difficult.
Conclusion
Collecting the needed evidence after a rideshare accident can mean the difference between a smooth claim and a long, frustrating, and delayed process. From photographs and videos to driver information, insurance details, and witness statements, each piece of evidence has a role to play in establishing liability and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in NYC and need help with your case, Gabriel Law is here to help. As a personal injury law firm in NYC, we will help you gather the evidence you need and work with experts to build a strong and compelling case. Your road to recovery and compensation starts with us. Get in touch today and schedule a free and confidential consultation.
