When it comes to motor vehicle collisions, Missouri is a fault state. That means victims may seek compensation for damages from those who were liable for the wreck. Of course, the at-fault party won’t actually pay for any losses out of pocket. Instead, his or her insurer will cover the costs. Thankfully, an auto accident lawyer can help you build a strong third-party claim, so you don’t have to go up against the insurance adjuster alone. Let’s explore the kinds of evidence that might strengthen your case. 

Critical Evidence From the Scene

Auto accident lawyers want victims to remember that building a strong claim starts before even leaving the scene. Insurers review all kinds of evidence gathered in the immediate aftermath of a wreck when determining fault. Examples include photographs of the vehicles involved and statements from eyewitnesses. They will also review the official police report, which may contain an admission of fault, not to mention the results of any BAC tests that were administered at the scene. 

Evidence That Might Surface in the Weeks Following the Wreck 

Depending on the circumstances, critical proof of fault may surface in the days or weeks after the accident. Examples include dashcam recordings, footage from surveillance cameras near the scene, social media posts, and cell phone records. If the collision involved a truck, drivers’ logs and black box data can also help the insurer determine fault.

As the claimant, it’s important to remember that the insurance adjuster isn’t on your side. As such, it’s wise to consult an auto accident lawyer and gather all of the above on your own. Because the insurer will undoubtedly use all the resources at their disposal to deny or at least undervalue your claim, it’s up to you to provide irrefutable evidence of fault. This is the only way you’ll be able to pursue the maximum payout. 

If you need help proving fault following a catastrophic crash, turn to Henry & Williams P.C. Based in West Plains, MO, this firm is backed by more than 75 years of experience. Serving all of South Central Missouri, their attorneys focus primarily on personal injury law. From dog bites to medical malpractice, they’re equipped to navigate all kinds of tort claims. To request a free case evaluation with an auto accident lawyer on their team, call (417) 256-8133. To see what past clients have to say about the counsel they’ve received, visit their website.