Car Accident Records to Gather After an Accident: The Ultimate Checklist

If you’re in a car accident, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible. This car accident checklist will help you collect the records you need to build your case and get the compensation you deserve. Make sure to keep copies of everything for your own records, and contact an attorney who can help you through the process.

After an accident, the first thing you should do is exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also take down their car’s make, model, and year. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.

Next, you’ll want to document the damage to both vehicles. Take pictures of the damage from different angles, including close-ups of any significant damage. If there are any visible injuries, take photos of those as well. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the scene of the accident itself, including skid marks or debris on the road.

Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. You should also contact your insurance company and file a claim. Keep track of all the correspondence with your insurance company, including phone calls or emails.

Medical documentation is also essential. If you’ve been injured, keep track of all your medical expenses. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, chiropractic visits, prescriptions, and any other treatments you receive. Keep copies of all your medical records and any bills or insurance statements.

Records showing proof of income loss can also be helpful. If you’ve missed work because of your injuries, keep track of your lost wages. This includes pay stubs, bank statements, and other documentation showing your income before and after the accident.

If you’re dealing with property damage, you’ll need to document that. Keep track of repair estimates, rental car expenses, and any other costs you incur due to the accident.

Accident or Injury Claim Documents Checklist

Gathering documents is important because it proves what happened, who is at fault, and the damages that resulted from the accident. It also helps to establish a timeline of events. Some of the key documents you’ll need to gather after a car accident include:

Official Reports

• Police Reports
• Other Law Enforcement Reports

Photos, Videos, or Audio From the Scene

• Photos Taken at Accident Scene
• Photos of Property Damage
• Photos of Injuries
• Photos of Road and Conditions

Statements & Reports

• Witness Statements

Medical Records

• Initial Medical Evaluation
• Hospital Records
• Specialist Visit Records

Insurance

• Your Insurance Card
• The Other Party’s Insurance Information
• Correspondence Records with Insurance Companies

Proof of Income (Showing Lost Wages)

• W2s
• Pay Stubs
• Bank Records

Bills & Invoices

• Medical Expenses
• Estimates & Invoices for Repairs
• Receipts of Payment
• Rental Car Expenses

This checklist is a great starting point, but it’s not exhaustive. Every car accident case is different, so speaking with an attorney about your specific situation is critical. You may need to gather other records depending on the particular circumstances of your accident. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand what evidence you need to build a strong case. The sooner you start, the better.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another motorist’s negligence, contact the attorneys at Saladino & Schaaf. Our experienced lawyers can help you create your claim, deal with the insurance companies, and get the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or at 270-444-0406 (Paducah Office) or 270-753-1529 (Murray Office). You may be entitled to significant compensation, but the clock is ticking.