Car Accident Evidence Checklist
A comprehensive car accident evidence checklist covering every document needed for a car accident claim. From police reports to medical records, use this guide to make sure nothing is missed — then print it or build a personalized version.
Tip: Use Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to print this checklist. Print-friendly styles are built in.
Accident Scene Documentation
Photos of the accident scene (Wide shots showing vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks).
Video of the scene (Walk-around video showing the full scope of the accident scene).
Weather and road conditions noted (Record rain, fog, ice, lighting, and road surface conditions at time of accident).
Exact location documented (Street intersection, mile marker, or GPS coordinates where the accident occurred).
Important: Take photos before vehicles are moved if safe to do so, and get close-ups as well as wide-angle shots to show full context.
Medical Records and Bills
Emergency room records (Get copies of ER visit records if you went to the emergency room).
Doctor visit records and notes (Records from all follow-up visits related to accident injuries).
All medical bills (Keep every bill from ER, doctors, physical therapy, medications, and imaging).
Prescription records (Document all medications prescribed for accident-related injuries).
Physical therapy records (Records showing ongoing treatment sessions and progress).
Important: Medical documentation is critical to establishing treatment. Keep records of every visit and all related costs.
Vehicle Damage Documentation
Close-up photos of vehicle damage (Multiple angles showing all damage to your vehicle).
Photos of other vehicle's damage (Document damage to the other vehicle(s) involved).
Repair estimate(s) (Get at least one written repair estimate from a qualified shop).
Repair receipts and invoices (Keep all receipts for actual repairs performed).
Rental car receipts (Document any rental car expenses while your vehicle was being repaired).
Important: Do not authorize repairs before the insurance company has inspected the vehicle, unless it is in their approved policy.
Witness Information
Witness names and contact information (Get full names, phone numbers, and email addresses).
Written witness statements (Ask witnesses to write down what they saw while it is fresh in their memory).
Important: Ask witnesses to write down what they saw while it is fresh in their memory.
Insurance Communications
Other driver's insurance information (Insurance company name, policy number, and claim number).
Your own insurance policy details (Know your coverage limits, deductibles, and policy number).
All insurance correspondence saved (Keep copies of every letter, email, and note from phone calls).
Notes from adjuster conversations (Write down date, time, who you spoke with, and what was said after every call).
Tip: Use Ctrl+P to properly examine every key document needed on your full claim.
Financial Impact Documentation
Lost wages documentation (Letter from employer confirming missed work days and lost income).
Recent pay stubs (Pay stubs from before and after the accident to show income impact).
Out-of-pocket expense receipts (Receipts for any accident-related expenses: transportation, home help, etc.).
Tip: Legal Issues: Don't delay. Submit employment and income documentation early, as insurance adjusters may need time to verify your lost wages.
Police Report Information
Police report number (Get the report number from the responding officer).
Copy of the full police report (Request a copy from the police department — may take a few days).
Responding officer's name and badge number (Record the officer's identifying information).
Important: Do not authorize repairs before the insurance company has inspected the vehicle, unless it is in their approved policy.
Injury Documentation
Photos of visible injuries (Take photos of bruises, cuts, swelling — photograph them over time as they change).
Pain and recovery journal (Daily notes on pain level, limitations, emotional impact, and recovery progress).
Written diagnosis from doctor (Official diagnosis documenting all injuries from the accident).
Hit-and-Run Documentation
Description of other vehicle (Make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you remember).
Dashcam or surveillance footage (Check your dashcam and nearby businesses for security camera footage).
Police report filed immediately (File a report as soon as possible — this is critical for hit-and-run claims).
Personal Notes and Records
Written account of what happened (Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible).
Timeline of events (Create a timeline: accident, police arrival, medical visits, insurance calls).
Impact on daily life documented (Note how the accident affects your daily routine, hobbies, sleep, and mood).