How to Collect Evidence for a Successful Car Accident Claim

Houston is a massive city with over two million people, and with all that traffic, collisions are bound to happen. When they do, the way you collect evidence can determine whether your claim is successful or falls flat. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing not just what to collect but the actual methods that will ensure you have solid proof to back up your claim if you’re ever injured in a Houston car accident.

Take Photos of the Crash Scene

One of the most effective ways to document an accident is through photos, but how you take those photos matters. Don’t just snap a few pictures and assume you’re covered. Law enforcement might take photos, but you can’t rely on that. You need to document the scene from multiple angles and perspectives.

Start by stepping back and capturing wide-angle shots of the entire crash scene. Stand in different positions to get various viewpoints. These shots should include all vehicles involved, their final resting positions, and any relevant landmarks like street signs, traffic lights, and road conditions.

Then, move in closer. Take detailed photos of the damage to each vehicle, including dents, scrapes, and broken parts. Make sure to capture close-ups of license plates, as well as any personal property damaged in the crash. If your phone allows it, enable timestamp settings to ensure your photos are date-stamped for accuracy.

Next, focus on environmental details. Take pictures of skid marks, shattered glass, and debris on the road. If there are traffic lights or signs nearby, include them in your photos, especially if they help establish right-of-way or signal violations.

Finally, document your own injuries as soon as possible. Take photos of any cuts, bruises, or other visible wounds at the scene. Continue taking pictures over time to show how your injuries progress or heal. These images can serve as powerful evidence in your claim.

Talk to Witnesses Before They Leave

Witness statements can make or break a car accident claim, but it’s important to know how to approach them. As soon as it is safe to do so, look around and identify potential witnesses including bystanders, other drivers, or nearby business employees. Walk up to them calmly and ask if they saw the accident. 

Once they share what they saw, politely ask for their contact information, including their name, phone number, and email. If they agree, record a short video or voice memo of them recounting the incident while it’s still fresh in their mind. 

Collect Contact and Insurance Information the Right Way

Many people make the mistake of only getting the other driver’s name and insurance company, but that’s not enough. To ensure you have everything necessary for a claim, systematically gather the following:

• Full name and address of the other driver
• Phone number and email address
• Driver’s license number (take a photo if possible)
• Vehicle license plate number
• Insurance company name, policy number, and the agent’s contact information 

Obtain the Police Report

Calling the police after an accident is essential, but once they arrive, you need to make sure their report includes all the necessary details. When speaking to an officer, be factual but concise. Avoid speculating about what caused the accident. Just provide a clear, neutral account of what happened.

Ask the responding officer for their name and badge number, and request a copy of the report. If the report isn’t available immediately, ask how and when you can obtain it. In Houston, you can usually request a copy online through the Texas Department of Transportation.

Get Some Footage

Houston is packed with traffic cameras, business security cameras, and even private dashcams. If your accident happened near an intersection, check if there are city-owned cameras. 

Houston TranStar cameras don’t record footage, but Texas Department of Transportation cameras might. You’ll need to file a formal request or even get a lawyer involved to subpoena the footage.

Nearby businesses might also have security cameras that caught the accident. Ask them politely if they can share the footage. If they refuse, your lawyer might be able to step in and request it legally.

Also, don’t forget about social media. Sometimes, bystanders upload crash videos online. A quick search on local Facebook groups or Twitter can help you find footage that can really be useful.