Personal Injury Evidence Checklist: What to Save After an Accident
Evidence can disappear quickly after an injury. This checklist helps injured people organize important records while they focus on medical care.
First Priorities
- Get emergency help when needed and follow medical recommendations.
- Report the incident to the appropriate person, such as a business manager, police officer, boat operator or airline representative.
- Request a copy or reference number for any incident or police report.
- Take photographs and video of the scene, conditions, warning signs, objects involved and visible injuries if it is safe.
Medical and Financial Records
Keep appointment summaries, imaging reports, prescriptions, bills, mileage, receipts and a timeline of missed work and physical limitations. Maintain original records and avoid editing photographs.
Witnesses and Electronic Evidence
Collect witness contact information, preserve text messages and emails, and save app receipts or booking confirmations. Video systems and trip records may be overwritten, so preservation requests should be considered quickly.
Special Types of Cases
In a rideshare accident, save the trip record and screenshots. For a property injury, document the hazard and maintenance conditions. For airline injuries, preserve the itinerary, seat and flight details. For boating injuries, record the vessel and operator information.
Deadlines
Different claims have different notice, contractual and court deadlines. Claims involving public property, government entities, cruises and international travel may require especially prompt review. This list does not replace legal advice.
Need advice on a specific matter? Contact Muggeo & Associates or call (978) 741-1177.
This resource is general information, not legal advice. Laws, coverage, notice requirements and deadlines depend on the jurisdiction and facts. Do not delay seeking individual advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.