Taking Notes After an Auto Accident: 10 Pieces of Information that Could Be Key to Your Claim

When you need to seek just compensation after an auto accident, one of the most important steps you can take is to write down everything you can remember about the collision. The more information you can record the better, as your memory of the details can fade quickly.

You also need to avoid letting the insurance companies tell you something that isn’t true. While the insurance companies will (or, at least they should) investigate your auto accident after you file a claim, they will do so with their best interests in mind. This is an important reason to hire a lawyer as well—and, when you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will use the information you provide to determine where to look for evidence of liability.

Important Questions to Try to Answer After an Auto Accident in Pennsylvania

What information should you write down? Here are 10 important questions to try to answer after an auto accident in Pennsylvania:

1. Where Did the Accident Happen?

You should write down the precise location where your accident happened. If your accident happened at an intersection, write down the names of the intersecting streets. If it happened on the highway, write down the nearest mile marker or exit number. Write down any other notable details about the location as well.

2. What Were the Road, Traffic and Weather Conditions at the Time of the Accident?

You should also take notes about the road, traffic and weather conditions at the time of the accident. Was the road clear, wet or covered in snow? Was traffic moving at speed or bumper to bumper? Was it cloudy, sunny or precipitating? All of these are factors that could play a key role in determining liability.

3. How Many Vehicles Were Involved in the Accident?

While many auto accidents involve two vehicles, it is not uncommon for additional vehicles to be involved. Whether you were involved in a multi-vehicle pileup or a third driver made a mistake that led to your collision, this will also play a key role in assessing your legal rights.

4. In Which Direction was Each Vehicle Traveling?

While a forensic investigation should reveal the direction in which each vehicle was traveling, it will be good for you to write this down as well. This is true whether you got sideswiped, T-boned or hit head-on.

5. What is the Make, Model and License Plate Number of Each Vehicle Involved?

If you were able to take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card (or other drivers’ insurance cards), you should have the information you need to file a claim. Even so, it is still a good idea to write down the make, model and license plate number of each vehicle involved in the collision, if possible.

6. Did the Police Respond to the Accident Scene?

If the police responded to the scene of your auto accident, you should write this down as well. Did the responding officer say anything about the collision? Did the officer issue any tickets? While your copy of the police report should contain some important information, it won’t necessarily reflect all of the information that is relevant to your claim.

7. Did the Other Driver Say Anything After the Accident?

If the other driver (or other drivers) said anything to you, the responding officer or someone else at the accident scene, you should try to write down what they said as accurately as possible. If they admitted to speeding, not paying attention or being on their phone, this could be extremely important to your claim for just compensation.

8. Did You See the Other Driver Using His or Her Phone, Smoking or Drinking Before the Collision?

If you saw the other driver using his or her phone, smoking, drinking or doing anything else he or she should not have been doing in the moments leading up to the crash, this could be key to your claim as well. Here, too, you should be as detailed as possible.

9. Was Speeding, Tailgating or Any Other Form of Aggressive Driving a Factor?

Likewise, if you believe that speeding, tailgating or any other form of aggressive driving played a role in your auto accident, this could also assist your lawyer with seeking just compensation on your behalf. Failing to signal, running a red light or stop sign, and merging or turning without the right of way could provide you with clear legal rights as well.

10. Were There Any Witnesses?

If anyone witnessed your auto accident, your lawyer may be able to speak with them and obtain a formal statement confirming your version of the events. Even if you weren’t able to obtain any witnesses’ contact information, you should still make note that witnesses were present.

These are all important details to write down if you can. However, these are by no means the only facts that will be relevant to your case. If you have any other information that you believe may be relevant, you should write this down to discuss with your lawyer as well.

Do Not Make Any Assumptions About Your Legal Rights

While it is important to try to answer as many of these questions as possible, it is equally important not to make any assumptions about your legal rights. If you can’t answer any of these questions, that is completely fine. Your lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation, and then your lawyer will be able to use the evidence obtained through this investigation to assess your legal rights and seek the financial compensation you deserve.

Get Help from a Pennsylvania Auto Accident Lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC

Were you injured in a collision in Pennsylvania? If so, we can help, but it is important that you contact us as soon as possible. To speak with an experienced Pennsylvania auto accident lawyer about your legal rights, call us at 888-777-7098 or request a free consultation online now.