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PRESERVING THE EVIDENCE
 Take
photographs of the accident location IMMEDIATELY
after a crash from every conceivable
angle and location. Lay a
yardstick next to skid marks
so someone can readily compute actual distances
based on the photograph. Look for
IMPENDING SKIDS. Tires just don't begin
skidding. As a braked tire begins to skid it
first leaves faint marks on the roadway known as
impending skids. Measure and photograph these
marks. They disappear within 48 hours
so move quickly to record them. An impending
skid and a skid mark when taken together gives a
very accurate report of the actual speed of a
car before a brake application.
Take distant and close up photographs of
scenes and objects.
Remember that all evidence must be
secured immediately.
When the evidence is in the possession of a
third party or one of the anticipated
defendants, hire any lawyer to
immediately file an independent action for a
temporary restraining order and a preliminary
injunction to avoid alterations or destructive
testing. The temporary restraining
order should be carefully
drafted so that anyone receiving notice of the
order and in control of the article will be
required to deliver it to the possession of a
neutral person and to initiate preventive
measures against damage in transit.
Report physical injuries to doctors, emergency
rooms and obtain appropriate medical treatment.
Appropriate treatment is that care recommended
by a doctor.
When reporting to doctors, take extra care to
identify specific complaints. If something does
not feel "right" it should be documented in your
medical file and provided to your physician in
order to allow the doctor to render an informed
medical opinion.
Lastly, keep receipts of everything and maintain
a calendar of post-accident events that will
help you recall later the days you could not
work, were unable to enjoy your leisure time or
spent Saturday at the physical therapist.
Document your changes in lifestyle, activities
with your family, job and time away from sports.
Bring in all photos of your hobbies.
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