What Evidence Do You Need to Win a Car Accident Case?

Car accident claims hinge on persuasive evidence. The stronger your evidence proving another driver’s fault and the extent of your injuries, the more likely you’ll be to recover and maximize the compensation you need and deserve. However, knowing what to collect and how to preserve it can be confusing. Additionally, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be unable to handle this alone. That’s why understanding the role of evidence in car accident lawsuits is so essential—it can make or break your case by proving who was at fault and how the crash impacted your life.

That’s okay. An experienced Memphis car accident attorney can collect the car accident evidence you need to negotiate a favorable settlement or win your case in court.

Types of Evidence to Collect

Collecting strong evidence is necessary to prove fault and secure compensation in a car accident claim. One of the first steps is to report the accident claim to law enforcement and your insurance company. The more documentation you have, the better you can demonstrate how the accident happened and how it impacted your life. Evidence can come from multiple sources – below are key types of evidence that can support your case.

Police Report

A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident case. Responding officers document key details, such as the location, time, and parties involved. The report often includes the officer’s observations about the scene, statements from those involved, and any citations issued. If the officer determines that one driver violated traffic laws, that can be strong evidence of fault. While the police report itself is typically not admissible in court, it can be a handy reference during settlement negotiations. You can request a copy from the Memphis Police Department or the Tennessee Highway Patrol, depending on which agency responded.

Witness Statements

Independent witnesses can provide testimony about how an accident occurred. Their accounts are often more credible since they have no personal stake in the outcome. Witnesses may describe what they saw before, during, and after the crash, including details that may not appear in a police report. Their statements can help establish whether a driver ran a red light, was speeding, or engaged in reckless behavior. Collecting witness contact information at the scene helps ensure their statements can be recorded later.

Photographic Evidence

Photos taken immediately after the crash can help show how the accident happened. Pictures of vehicle placement and damage, skid marks, debris, and traffic signals can provide critical context. Close-up shots of property damage can help with assessing the force of impact. In contrast, images of visible injuries help demonstrate their severity and show the immediate physical toll of the crash. If road conditions, weather, or obstructed visibility played a role, photos capturing these elements can be helpful.

Dashcam Footage

If you or another driver had a dashcam, the recorded footage may serve as clear evidence of how the crash occurred. Dashcam videos can capture a driver running a red light, swerving into another lane, or following too closely before a collision. Unlike witness testimony, video evidence is objective and can be difficult for the opposing party to dispute.

Traffic Camera Footage

Similarly, footage from traffic cameras at intersections or along highways may provide valuable visual evidence. If available, this footage can show the position of vehicles, traffic signal changes, and the moment of impact, making it valuable in proving fault. Local or state agencies typically operate these cameras, and obtaining the footage involves placing a formal request. Some traffic camera recordings are only stored for a limited time, so acting quickly is important.

Black Box Data

Many modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs), also called black boxes. These devices store key crash-related information such as speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before impact. If there’s a dispute around fault, black box data can objectively prove a driver’s actions or inaction. You may need specialized equipment and legal action to retrieve this data, especially if the other driver refuses to release it.

Medical Records

Finally, medical records are among the most valuable evidence in Tennessee car accident cases. They document the extent of your injuries and establish a direct link between the accident and your medical treatment. Emergency room reports, physician notes, diagnostic imaging, and physical therapy records can all help show the severity of your injuries. If you delayed seeking medical care, the other party may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or resulted from something other than the accident. Having consistent medical documentation showing ongoing treatment and limitations can help counter these arguments and support your claim.

Please read more about insurance claims here: How to Maximize Your Insurance Claim

How to Collect and Preserve Car Accident Evidence

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may or may not be able to collect evidence at the accident scene. Call 911 to summon police to the scene, exchange details with all drivers involved, obtain contact info from any eyewitnesses, and take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and other details that can show what happened.

Lawyers have access to resources that may not be available to you. They can more easily obtain a copy of the police report, obtain black box data, request traffic camera and dashcam footage, and interview expert witnesses. They will also ensure that all evidence is properly documented and stored to be admissible in court.

While your attorney plays a critical role, there are also steps you can take to support your attorney in their evidence-gathering mission:

• Request medical attention immediately and follow all treatment recommendations
• Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your injuries
• Keep a journal documenting pain levels, treatment progress, and how the accident affects daily life

Contact a Memphis Car Accident Lawyer to Get Started

If you got hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, you need a skilled car accident attorney in Memphis to provide legal support while you heal. This includes collecting evidence to support your claim, taking steps to preserve it, and building a robust claim on your behalf.

Let our team at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC use our decades of experience to help you. We’ve recovered over $500 million for injured clients in the greater Memphis area and have the knowledge and resources necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and prepare a persuasive claim. Contact us today by calling (901) 526-2126 or filling out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.