What Evidence Is Lost In The First 48 Hours After A Serious Car Accident?
In the aftermath of a major automobile accident, there are many things that become very important very quickly. Not only will you need immediate medical attention, but you’ll also want to secure evidence, if you are able, to document the scene of the accident. Regardless of whether the collision involved two passenger cars, a commercial truck, or even a motorcycle, time is of the essence. Evidence could be lost.
If you’ve suffered an accident in Jacksonville and want to know about the evidence that could be gone in 48 hours, read on.
Accident scenes change quickly
Once emergency services personnel have completed their work, the accident site is usually cleared within a few hours, allowing traffic to resume. The skid marks disappear, the wreckage is cleaned up, and even damaged guardrails or road signs are sometimes fixed.
The weather conditions might also affect the accident investigation. Rain could wash away the skid marks, while heavy traffic would scatter or destroy all physical evidence of what caused the crash.
The photographs and video footage of the scene taken immediately after the accident will capture details that are not visible several days later.
Surveillance footage may be deleted
Security cameras are installed at many intersections and at places such as shops and homes. Nevertheless, these cameras usually delete their recording after a few days. If not requested promptly, the recording will become impossible to access for investigation.
Videos captured by traffic cameras, by dashcams, or even by neighboring surveillance cameras can offer an unbiased picture of events and help determine the liable party.
Witness’s memories fade
Witness statements can prove very useful, but the memory becomes less accurate with time. A witness who can remember all the details of an accident on the day of the incident can have trouble remembering the facts a few weeks later.
Acquiring the names of witnesses and their statements at an early stage can be useful.
Electronic evidence could disappear
Today’s cars generate a large amount of electronic data. Certain cars have event data recorders that capture information such as speed, brake application, wheel steering, seat belt use, and other critical data in the seconds leading up to the accident.
Trucks will often have electronic logging devices, onboard video, GPS data, and maintenance logs, all of which can provide vital information as to how the accident happened.
This data can be overwritten, deleted, or lost if it is not preserved immediately.
Medical records connect your injury to the crash
It’s important that you seek immediate medical help. Not only is this wise in general, it will also improve the quality of your claim. Procrastination could provide insurance companies with an opportunity to claim your injuries are minor or caused by something else.
It is easier to link the accident with your injuries based on the medical evidence collected straight after the accident. Compliance with your doctor’s treatment plan could also support your claim.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Car Accident Attorney Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of Jacksonville residents who have been injured in a car accident. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your claim right away.
