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Is It Safe to Try to Collect Evidence After a Car Accident?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Nov 27, 2020

Read Time: 3 mins

If the collision occurred on a major highway, attempting to collect evidence can put you in further danger. On a lightly traveled road, it may prove relatively safe to undertake this important task. If you can move your car, get it off the road. Gauge whether it is safe to get out of your vehicle. If you get the car off the road, but the shoulder is narrow or virtually non-existent, staying in the car is likely a better choice until emergency services arrive.

Next, seek legal advice as soon as possible. The more quickly an investigation begins, the more evidence is available. A car accident lawyer for Rockland and Bergen counties at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Evidence Collection

Evidence is critical in car accident cases. However, a person should never put themselves in danger. Even if it is not possible to collect evidence at the scene, there are other ways to build a case. If available, surveillance video can be very valuable. Moreover, your attorney may hire an accident reconstructionist.

Also, the police report should reveal a good deal about the accident. Besides the date, location, and time, the report should also include weather conditions, the accident type, injuries, who made the 911 or police call, and who responded.

When Not to Collect Evidence

Do not attempt to collect evidence if you have been seriously injured. Emergency medical treatment is the top priority. The same holds if someone in your car was badly hurt. Stay with them until police or medical help arrives.

If cars are speeding past the scene, keep yourself out of harm’s way. If the accident happens at night, do not put yourself in a situation where you are not visible to oncoming drivers. Sometimes, you may fear for your physical safety because of the other driver’s reaction. If the other driver threatens you, report the behavior to law enforcement.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Always call 911 after an accident. Determine whether you or anyone else on the scene suffered injuries. If possible, exchange names and contact and insurance information with the other driver. Do not admit fault. Stay as calm as you can under the circumstances.

If you deem it safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include any damage to the vehicles, the license plates, visible injuries, and road conditions. Photograph physical evidence such as blown tires. Record skid marks, road debris, or anything else that may have contributed to the crash.

If there are eyewitnesses, obtain their names and contact information and record what they saw or write down their comments. Write down your own recollections immediately or record them on your phone. The more details you remember initially, the more you may aid your claim.

Finally, if you do not go to the emergency room or an urgent care center right away– the insurance company will attempt to deny or minimize your injuries.

Contact a New York and New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer

If you were seriously injured in a Rockland County, New York, or Bergen County, New Jersey car accident, you need the services of an experienced car accident lawyer for Rockland and Bergen counties at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

Complete our online form or call or text 24/7 to schedule a free consultation. Since we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 19 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 86 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 92 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 98 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 121 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 134 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
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   Lynn Gill 
 145 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

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