Marc Schiller urges drivers to preserve crash evidence fast

The Schiller Kessler Group says early documentation can make or break a Florida car accident claim. Fort Lauderdale attorney Marc Schiller outlined steps to protect photos, witness details, vehicle records and medical proof after a crash.

Why it matters: - Evidence can disappear quickly after a collision, and missing details can weaken a personal injury or insurance claim. - Early documentation can help show fault, damage, injuries and the sequence of events.

What happened: - The Schiller Kessler Group released guidance for people involved in car accidents. - Fort Lauderdale attorney Marc Schiller developed the recommendations based on issues that can arise in Florida personal injury and insurance claims. - The guidance focuses on preserving photos, witness information, vehicle damage records and other crash-related evidence.

The details: - Schiller advises drivers to photograph the scene as soon as it is safe, before vehicles are moved or the area is cleared. - Useful images include vehicle positions, skid marks, road conditions and visible damage. - Wider shots can help document the full scene, followed by close-up photos of damage and debris. - Drivers with dashboard cameras should save the footage immediately because many systems overwrite older files on a rolling basis. - Schiller recommends collecting names and phone numbers from nearby drivers, pedestrians and business employees who saw the crash. - Witnesses may leave before a full police report is completed, which can make later follow-up harder. - Schiller recommends not repairing, altering or disposing of a vehicle too soon when inspection by insurers or other appropriate parties is still possible. - If repairs must happen quickly, the firm suggests taking detailed photos and video, keeping repair estimates and confirming the insurer has inspected the damage first. - Schiller recommends prompt medical attention if pain, dizziness, confusion, limited movement or other symptoms appear after a crash. - Delayed symptoms can appear after a collision, so injured people should monitor changes and follow medical advice. - Schiller recommends keeping medical bills, treatment records, repair estimates, receipts, insurance correspondence, denial notices and settlement offers in one physical or digital folder. - The firm advises accident victims to avoid posting crash photos, comments or updates about physical condition or daily activities while a claim is active. - Schiller recommends getting legal advice before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer or accepting a settlement. - A person may still have separate duties to cooperate with their own insurer, so the identity of the requester matters.

Between the lines: - The guidance is aimed at protecting claims before evidence is lost, memories fade or insurers build a record that may favor a defense position. - The advice also reflects how much modern claims can turn on phone photos, saved video, medical records and social media posts. - The emphasis on early legal advice suggests that seemingly routine insurance calls can shape the value of a claim.

What's next: - Accident victims who follow these steps may be better positioned to document injuries, dispute fault and support settlement talks. - The Schiller Kessler Group says it offers free consultations and handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. - The firm serves clients from offices in Davie, Miami, West Palm Beach, Stuart, Fort Myers, Orlando, Melbourne, Tampa and Jacksonville. - The firm says its attorneys have recovered more than $250 million for clients, and more than 30,000 Florida injury victims have sought help from the firm. - More information is available from the Schiller Kessler Group.