Getting into an accident is a shock to the system and the last thing on your mind is recording it via pictures or statements. However, it is completely possible for a case to fall through or gain a smaller settlement than is deserved solely due to a lack of evidence.

When insurance companies investigate liability, this basically means that they are tasked with finding any reason possible to pin the blame on the opposing party.
The best way to make a strong case in your favour is to gather as much evidence at the scene of the incident as possible.

We’ve gathered some helpful tips.

1. Try your best to stay as calm as possible.

A shock to the system is hard to snap yourself away from but try to breathe calmly and steadily using a 4-8 type method.
Words and actions fuelled by anger can jeopardise cooperation from witnesses and third parties.

2. Seek medical assistance if you don’t feel quite right

Your health is more important than gathering evidence.
Don’t move around too much to take pictures if you feel it will worsen any injuries you may have.

3. Assist any injured parties.

Your second priority is making sure any third parties are okay. If they are injured, assist them in getting medical attention.

4. Take pictures and/or videos of both parties’ vehicles as they are at the scene of the incident

If everyone is well, take pictures and videos of all involved vehicles.

5. Retrieve dashcam footage, if there is any.

Third parties may have dash-cams. Swap contact details and ask if you could be sent this data. Most likely, they won’t be able to retrieve it at the scene and you will have to arrange for it to be sent to you digitally.

6. Collect witness statements

You may record witness statements and collect their contact information, if they are willing.
A video or audio recording of a witness statement at the scene of the accident may prove more worthy than a written statement afterwards.

Always, always, always attend to injured people as a priority.

Using your gut feelings and common sense is usually enough to handle these situations – these are just a rough guidelines to refer to when caught in an unexpected situation such as a car crash or accident.