How to Gather Evidence After a Car Accident

Why Evidence Matters

Strong evidence can make the difference between a successful claim and a disputed one. Here's how to document an accident effectively.

At the Scene

Photos to Take

Vehicle damage:

• Wide shots of both vehicles showing their positions
• Close-ups of all damage areas
• Multiple angles for each damaged area
• The other vehicle's registration plate

The scene:

• Street signs and landmarks
• Traffic lights or signs (if relevant)
• Road markings
• Skid marks or debris
• Weather and road conditions
• Any obstructions to visibility

Tip: Take more photos than you think you need. You can always delete extras later.

Information to Collect

From the other driver:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver's licence number
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance company and policy number (if they'll provide it)

From witnesses:

• Name and phone number
• Brief note of what they saw

From the scene:

• Street address or GPS coordinates
• Time of the accident
• Weather conditions (sunny, raining, etc.)
• Road conditions (wet, dry, gravel)
• Traffic conditions (busy, quiet)

Dashcam Footage

If you have a dashcam:

Don't turn it off – let it continue recording

Secure the footage – download or protect the relevant files

Note the timestamp – ensure the date/time is correct

Keep the original – don't edit or modify the footage

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence, especially if it shows the other driver's actions leading up to the collision.

Witness Statements

If someone saw the accident:

• Get their contact details
• Ask them to briefly describe what they saw
• Note if they took any photos or videos
• Don't coach or suggest what they should say

Medical Records

If you have any injuries (even minor):

• See a doctor as soon as possible
• Keep copies of all medical reports
• Note the connection to the accident
• This is especially important for injury claims

Police Report

If police attended:

• Get the event number
• Note the officers' names if possible
• Request a copy of the report (you may need to apply online)

What to Do with Your Evidence

Store it safely – back up photos and documents

Organise it – create a folder with everything accident-related

Provide copies – share with your insurer or claim manager (but keep originals)

Don't post on social media – wait until the claim is resolved

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not taking enough photos
• Forgetting to get witness details
• Deleting dashcam footage too soon
• Throwing away damaged items before documenting them
• Posting about the accident on social media

Need Help with Your Claim?

If you have good evidence and believe you weren't at fault, we can help manage the recovery process. Check your eligibility to get started.