Evidence fades fast — vehicles move, weather changes, memories blur. This checklist makes sure you capture what matters while it is still there. Nothing here is collected or sent anywhere; it is a sheet for your own use.
You rarely get a second chance to photograph a scene. A minute of capturing it well can save weeks of arguing about it later.
Evidence Checklist
Once you are safe and any injuries are dealt with, capture as much of this as you can.
Photograph
- Wide shot of the whole scene
- Every vehicle involved
- All license plates
- Damage close-ups (all vehicles)
- Road, skid marks & debris
- Traffic signs & signals
- Weather & lighting conditions
- Any visible injuries
Collect
- Other driver: name, phone, address
- Their insurer & policy number
- Their license & plate number
- Witness names & phone numbers
- Police officer name & report number
Note down
- Date, time & exact location
- Direction each vehicle was travelling
- What happened, in plain facts
- Anything the other driver said
How to use it
Safety and any injuries come first — always. Once you are safe and have called the police, work through the checklist on your phone. Keep everything together afterwards. Pair it with the printable glovebox accident form for recording details.
For context on why each piece matters, see what to do after a car accident and protecting your position.
A free resource from The Accident Advisory. Last reviewed June 2026.