If you’ve just been through a car crash, you’ve probably got a lot going on all at once: dealing with pain, figuring out what happened, speaking to police or other drivers, and wondering how you’re going to deal with insurance. But as messy as everything might feel at that moment, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is start documenting everything related to the crash.
Insurance companies and courts don’t go off gut feelings or vague stories. They go off facts and hard evidence. And every piece of documentation you collect becomes a piece of that puzzle. Strong documentation shows that you were organized, clear, and honest. It makes it much harder for an insurance company to lowball you or for someone else to twist the story. It also speeds up your claim and gives any legal action a solid foundation.
And if you’re wondering about how long car accident claims take, that depends a lot on how well you’ve documented the damages and how clear your information is from the start.
What to Do Immediately After the Crash
After ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the crash, if you feel up for it, proceed to take photos and videos of the scene. Make sure that you get wide shots and close-ups of everything: vehicle damage, debris on the ground, skid marks, broken traffic signs, weather conditions, and road layout.
If it’s raining or visibility is low, make a note of that. Record the time, date, and exact location of the crash. These might seem like small details now, but they become incredibly important later.
If the vehicles were moved after the crash, try drawing a quick sketch of how they were originally positioned. It doesn’t have to be perfect, actually, just enough to give context.
Then, exchange information with the other driver(s): full names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license details, and insurance policy info. If anyone witnessed the crash, ask for their contact details too. Neutral witnesses can make a big difference down the line.
Also, report the crash to the police. If officers come to the scene, get their names and badge numbers. Ask for a copy of the police report, or at least write down the report number so you can request it later.
Document Your Injuries and Medical Treatment
When you do get to see a doctor, keep every single piece of paperwork they give you. That includes exam notes, diagnostic results like X-rays or MRIs, physical therapy records, prescriptions, and even receipts for over-the-counter medication. If you have to travel for treatment, save those travel costs too. Every detail counts.
If your injuries stop you from working, gather proof. Ask your employer for a written statement explaining the time you’ve missed and how much pay you’ve lost. If you get paid hourly, keep a record of your usual schedule and missed shifts. If you’re salaried, include sick days taken or notes about reduced responsibilities due to injury.
Track Property Damage and Other Costs
Next comes the financial hit to your properties, i.e., your car, your electronics, and anything else damaged in the crash.
Start with your car. Take new photos of the damage in daylight if possible. Some close-ups, some from a distance, to show the full context. Then, get written repair estimates from a mechanic or body shop.
If your car is declared a total loss, you’ll need documents that show its value before the crash. This could include listings for similar vehicles, professional appraisals, or valuation reports from your insurer.
If you had to rent a car while yours was out of commission, keep those receipts. If you used ride-shares or public transit to get around, document that too. And if you paid out-of-pocket for a tow truck, parking at the repair shop, or storage fees at a tow yard, hold onto every receipt.
Don’t forget about personal items. If your laptop, phone, or other valuables were damaged in the crash, take pictures and keep receipts that show what they cost to replace or repair. It’s easy to overlook these, but they’re part of your losses too.