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Guide · Car accidents
Evidence for a Car Accident Claim
The most useful evidence shows how the accident happened, who was to blame, how you were injured and what it has cost you. That means photos and dashcam footage, the other driver's details, witness contact details, your medical records, and receipts and payslips for your losses. Gather what you can as soon as possible, but don't worry if you couldn't get everything at the scene. Your solicitor can help find the rest.
Good evidence makes it harder for the other side to dispute what happened or reduce what they pay. This guide explains what to collect, and when.
- At the scene
- Photos, dashcam footage, the other driver's details and witnesses
- Your injuries
- GP or A&E records and an expert medical report
- Your losses
- Receipts, payslips and bank statements
- If the police came
- Note the reference number
Why does evidence matter?
The other driver's insurer will look closely at your claim. Evidence helps show:
- How the accident happened
- Who was responsible
- What injuries you suffered and how serious they are
- What the accident has cost you
The stronger your evidence, the less room there is to dispute what happened. It's also the basis for working out how much your claim is worth.
Evidence from the scene
If you're able to, and it's safe, try to gather this straight after the accident:
Photos and video
All the vehicles and their damage, where they ended up, road markings, signs, skid marks, the weather and any visible injuries.
The other driver's details
Their name, address, phone number, registration and insurer. Drivers must stop and exchange details after an accident where someone is hurt.
Witnesses
Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. Independent witnesses can be especially helpful.
Dashcam and CCTV
Save your dashcam footage straight away. Nearby shops, homes or buses may have cameras too, but footage is often only kept for a short time.
Note the date, time and exact location as well. If you couldn't gather evidence at the scene, for example because you were taken to hospital, you can still claim.
Medical evidence
- Get checked promptlySee your GP or go to A&E or a minor injuries unit, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash, can take a day or two to show. Tell them exactly how the accident happened.
- Keep your recordsAppointments, scans, prescriptions, physiotherapy and any other treatment.
- Keep a symptom diaryNote your pain, how you're sleeping, and what you can't do or struggle with. It helps show how the injury affects your daily life.
- The expert reportAn independent medical expert will usually examine you and report on your injuries and recovery. Your solicitor arranges this, and it's central to valuing your claim.
In our £22,500 rear-end collision case, a driver was injured when another car hit them from behind while they were stationary.
Evidence of your losses
You can claim for the financial losses the accident caused, but they have to be shown. Keep:
Receipts
Prescriptions, treatment, travel to appointments, and any other costs caused by the accident.
Earnings
Payslips from before and after the accident, and a letter from your employer about time off and lost overtime.
Vehicle costs
Repair estimates or invoices, your insurance excess and any hire car costs.
Letters and calls
Copies of emails and letters from insurers, and notes of phone calls, with the date and who you spoke to.
Be careful what you post on social media about the accident or your injuries. Insurers can look at public posts.
Police, insurers and expert reports
If the police came to the scene, note the reference number. Your solicitor can usually ask for a copy of the police report, which may include the parties' details, witness details and notes on the road conditions.
You should also tell your own insurer about the accident, even if you don't plan to claim on your policy. Stick to the facts and don't admit blame.
Where it's disputed how the accident happened, or your injuries are complex, other experts may be needed, such as an accident reconstruction expert. Your solicitor will arrange any expert evidence your claim needs.
If the insurer makes an offer early on, think carefully before accepting. See do I need a personal injury solicitor?
Car accident evidence: FAQs
What evidence do I need for a car accident claim?
The most useful evidence is photos or dashcam footage of the scene, the other driver's details, witness contact details, your medical records, and receipts and payslips showing your financial losses. If the police attended, the reference number helps too.
What if I didn't take photos at the scene?
You can still claim. Many people can't gather evidence at the scene, for example because they were injured or in shock. Photos of your vehicle damage and injuries taken later, witness details, dashcam or CCTV footage and medical records can all help.
Can I claim if there were no witnesses?
Yes. Witnesses help, but they aren't essential. Photos, vehicle damage, dashcam footage, the police report and medical records can all show how the accident happened.
Do I need a police report to make a claim?
No. The police don't attend every accident, and you can claim without a police report. If they did attend, note the reference number, as your solicitor can usually ask for a copy of their report.
Is dashcam footage useful?
Yes. Dashcam footage can show exactly how an accident happened, which can be very helpful if the other driver disputes it. Save a copy as soon as you can, as many dashcams record over old footage automatically.
Should I post about my accident on social media?
It's best not to. Insurers can look at public social media posts, and photos or comments can be taken out of context to suggest your injuries aren't as serious as you say.
Injured in a car accident?
Talk to our team for free, with no obligation. We'll look at what happened and the evidence you have, and give you an honest view of whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.