In the immediate aftermath of a crash, ensuring your own safety and the safety of others is essential.
However, once you have sought medical attention and contacted the police, it may also prove important to document the incident as thoroughly as you can.
Gather information from the other driver
In addition to taking down the full name and contact information of the other driver involved in the collision, make sure to record the following:
- Location of the accident
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Driver’s license number and license plate number
- Make, model and color of the vehicle
Speak with witnesses, police
You should also take down contact information from any witnesses on the scene who may be willing to offer an account later. Additionally, make sure to get the badge number of the police officers present and ask about obtaining a copy of the accident report.
Take photo and video evidence
Pictures and video can also help preserve information about the scene. In addition to recording your injuries and damage to both vehicles, photos to take include:
- The position of vehicles
- Roadway debris, skid marks or damage to property other than vehicles
- The presence or absence of road signs or signals
- The weather conditions at the time of the collision
Gathering as much information as possible is important for ensuring the success of any insurance claim you need to file after experiencing an injury and/or property damage. Additionally, if your injuries were especially severe, such evidence may be invaluable in proving that another party owes you compensation for their negligence.