What Evidence Do You Need to Collect After an Incident? A Driver’s Guide to Post-Incident Documentation

If you’ve been involved in a crash or other incident, there are steps to take, including gathering information and evidence. Before beginning any evidence collection, ensure you’re in a place of relative safety. You should first prevent further incidents by switching on hazard warning lights and moving to a safe position if possible. You must stop if you’re involved in an incident that causes damage or injury to another person, vehicle, animal, or property.

Essential Documentation

After ensuring safety, begin collecting crucial information from all parties involved in the incident. This includes full names, addresses, and contact details of everyone involved. Gather vehicle registration numbers and insurance policy details. Note the exact time, date, and location of the incident, as these details can be vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. If police attend, record officer details and incident numbers.

Photographic Evidence

Photography plays a crucial role in documenting the incident scene. Use your phone or camera to capture the overall scene showing the positions of all vehicles before they’re moved, if safe to do so. Take detailed photos of damage to all vehicles involved and document the road layout, including any relevant signs or signals. Don’t forget to photograph road conditions, skid marks, or debris that might help explain how the incident occurred. If you notice any CCTV cameras in the area, photograph their locations, as the footage might later prove valuable.

You can supplement the photographs with diagrams.

Environmental Conditions

Make careful notes about the weather and road conditions at the time of the incident. Include details about visibility, road surface conditions (whether wet, icy, or damaged), and any temporary factors like roadworks or failed traffic signals. These environmental factors can be crucial in understanding how the incident occurred and might affect liability determinations later.

Witness Information

If there are witnesses to the incident, approach them calmly and professionally. Ask if they would be willing to provide a brief statement and their contact details. Their independent perspective can be invaluable, particularly if there are disputes about what occurred. Note any immediate observations they share, and ask if they happened to take any photos or videos of the incident. If witnesses are injured or in a state of shock, you might not be able to get evidence from them, and you shouldn’t force it.

Using Technology Effectively

Modern technology offers valuable tools for evidence gathering. If you have a dashcam, ensure you preserve the footage. Many insurance companies now provide specialised apps for documenting incidents—these can be particularly helpful in guiding you through the evidence-collection process. GPS data can provide exact location information, and time-stamped weather reports can support your documentation of conditions.

Legal Requirements and Written Documentation

The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires that you stop at the scene if there’s damage or injury and report accidents involving injury to the police within 24 hours. Create a detailed personal account of the incident as soon as possible, including your journey purpose, direction of travel, speed, and road position before the incident. Document the sequence of events and any relevant conversations with other parties or emergency services personnel.

Evidence Storage and Organisation

Create a comprehensive file containing all evidence related to the incident. Keep digital copies of photos and documents, along with any written statements and accounts. Maintain copies of all insurance correspondence, police reports, and repair estimates. Organise everything chronologically to create a clear timeline of events and actions taken.

Remember throughout this process that thorough evidence gathering isn’t about establishing blame—it’s about ensuring there’s a clear, factual record of events that can help all parties understand what occurred. Maintain a professional and calm demeanour throughout, focusing on collecting accurate information rather than making accusations or admitting fault.