Introduction

Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful car accident claim. The more thoroughly you document the accident, the harder it is for insurance companies to dispute fault or minimize your damages. Evidence gathered at the scene and in the days following an accident can make the difference between fair compensation and a denied or undervalued claim.

This comprehensive guide covers essential evidence to collect at the scene, documentation in the days and weeks after, evidence preservation, and how evidence supports your claim.

Thorough documentation protects your right to fair compensation. We'll show you exactly what evidence to gather and how to preserve it.

Evidence at the Accident Scene

Photograph everything before vehicles are moved. Take wide shots of the entire scene, close-ups of all vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signals and signs, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries.

Video can capture details photos miss and provide context about traffic flow, weather conditions, and the overall scene. Walk around the accident site recording from multiple angles.

Document the position of vehicles relative to lane markings, intersections, and each other. This evidence helps reconstruct how the accident occurred.

Note weather conditions, lighting, road surface conditions, and any factors that may have contributed to the accident. These details may become important later.

Witness Information

Get contact information from every witness. Witnesses may leave quickly, so prioritize getting names, phone numbers, and email addresses before they go.

Ask witnesses what they saw and take notes on their observations. Their accounts while memories are fresh are most valuable.

Identify types of witnesses: other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, people at nearby businesses, and anyone else who may have observed the accident.

Witnesses can provide independent accounts of fault, the other driver's behavior, and other important details insurance companies cannot easily dismiss.

Surveillance Footage

Identify all potential sources of video evidence immediately. Traffic cameras, business security cameras, residential doorbell cameras, and dashcams from other vehicles may have captured the accident.

Surveillance footage is often overwritten within days. Send preservation requests immediately to prevent critical evidence from being deleted.

Note the locations of any cameras you see near the accident scene. Businesses directly at the intersection and those with views of the roadway are priorities.

Your attorney can send formal preservation letters and subpoena footage in litigation if necessary.

Medical Documentation

Seek medical attention immediately, even without obvious injuries. Medical records create essential documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

Describe all symptoms to your doctors. If you don't report symptoms, they won't appear in your records, and insurance companies will argue they didn't exist.

Follow all treatment recommendations and keep all appointments. Gaps in treatment suggest injuries weren't serious.

Keep copies of all medical records, bills, imaging results, and communications with healthcare providers.

Financial Documentation

Keep all receipts and bills related to the accident: medical expenses, prescription costs, transportation to appointments, vehicle repairs, rental car costs, and any other accident-related expenses.

Document lost wages with pay stubs, employer letters, and any other proof of missed work. If you're self-employed, gather tax returns and business records.

Keep records of any other financial impacts: child care during medical appointments, household help you needed, and any purchases required because of your injuries.

Personal Documentation

Keep a journal documenting how your injuries affect your daily life. Note pain levels, activities you can't do, emotional impacts, and sleep disturbances.

This personal account supports pain and suffering damages and helps explain the true impact of your injuries beyond what medical records show.

Continue photographing your injuries as they heal. Bruises and wounds that develop or change over time should be documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What photos should I take after an accident?
Vehicle damage from all angles, accident scene showing positions, road conditions and traffic controls, visible injuries, license plates and VINs, skid marks or debris.
How do I find witnesses?
Ask at scene for anyone who saw accident, note nearby businesses with employees who may have seen, look for pedestrians and other drivers, canvas area for surveillance cameras.
Can I get video footage from nearby businesses?
Yes, ask immediately as footage often deleted quickly. Your attorney can send preservation letters or subpoenas if necessary.
What if I didn't document anything at the scene?
Return to photograph scene, request police report, identify witnesses, get thorough medical exam. Late documentation better than none.
How long should I keep evidence?
Keep all evidence until case completely resolved including appeals period. Digital copies recommended. Never discard original evidence without attorney approval.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Thorough evidence collection protects your claim against insurance company tactics. The more documentation you have, the stronger your position for fair compensation.

The most important steps you can take right now are: photograph the scene extensively, get witness contact information, identify and preserve surveillance footage, seek immediate medical attention, and keep records of all expenses and impacts.

If you've been in a car accident, contact a qualified attorney for a free case evaluation. An experienced attorney can help preserve evidence, obtain footage and records, and build a documented case that maximizes your compensation.