What Evidence Do You Need for an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

In the U.S., car crashes are frustrating and dangerous, and the situation is worse when the other party has no insurance. In these cases, an uninsured motorist claim covers medical expenses and accident-related damages. But it requires proof, including photos, videos, medical bills, medical reports, and police reports, to be submitted to the insurance company.

Sacramento, California’s capital, is located in the Central Valley, where the Sacramento and American Rivers meet. As a major Northern California transportation hub, the city has busy roads and highways where crashes can occur due to negligent or unsafe driving.

An uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Sacramento, California, can help you deal with the claim process if you are a resident in this city and are facing this issue. Below is the list of evidence you need for an uninsured motorist claim.

Photos of the Crash

After a car crash, check for injuries and call for medical care before collecting evidence. If you are fine, move to a safe place, and then you can take photos of the accident site.

Cover all the angles, including the photos of:

• Road condition
• Road signs and traffic lights
• Skid marks and debris on the road
• Damages that occurred to the vehicle. 
• Visible injuries
• License plates 

This can prove the severity of the accident and can be proof for better compensation.

Driver Details

Collect at-fault party details, including contact number and name. In California, Insurance Code § 11580.4 provides that a DMV certificate showing that the owner or operator of a vehicle had not established financial responsibility under Vehicle Code § 16020 is admissible in an uninsured motorist proceeding and creates a rebuttable presumption that the vehicle was uninsured at the time of the accident.

Surveillance Footage

Check for security cameras in that area, as a video of the accident is better evidence than any other proof. You should check the red-light cameras, security cameras, and cameras of the residents near the accident site.

Videos have to be collected immediately, as the footage of public and business surveillance cameras can get deleted easily within a few days. The police or your lawyer will investigate the scene and can collect the accident footage after you report it.

Medical Records

Injuries can be external and also internal, and they have to be checked immediately after an accident. Collect the medical bills and records along with:

• Lab reports
• X-rays and scans
• Prescriptions
• Physical therapy records
• Specialist evaluations

These medical records are the proof of the severity of your injuries and can support the compensation from the insurance company.

Repair Costs

Parts, including side mirrors and doors, often get damaged and need to be replaced. If the damage is beyond the repair, then the compensation is given more. Keep the records of repair costs of the vehicle safe, as these bills can be the proof of the damages. 

Police Reports

Report to the police regarding the crash and inform them of every single detail, including time, place, location, driver, vehicle information, and road conditions. Collect a copy of the report from the police, and this can serve as evidence for claiming.

Witness Statement

Another important piece of evidence after a car crash is a witness. Check for the witnesses near the accident area and collect the contact details, including name and mobile number. Note down the details of the accident they described, as they may have witnessed something we missed.

Key Takeaways

• An uninsured motorist claim can be obtained by collection of evidence.
• Photos of the car crash, including the vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic lights, need to be taken.
• Check for the surveillance cameras near the accident area and collect the footage of the accident.
• Medical records like bills and diagnostic tests can act as the evidence for claiming.
• Report to the police and get a copy of the report.
• If witnesses are available, note their contact information and collect the witness statement.