The information gathered after a motor vehicle accident can play an important role in documenting what occurred, submitting an insurance claim, and protecting your legal rights. If you are physically able to do so safely, collect as much relevant information as possible before leaving the scene.
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Photograph and Document the Scene of Your Motor Vehicle Accident
Use your phone to photograph or record:
- The position and condition of all vehicles involved
- Damage to each vehicle from multiple angles
- Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and relevant road conditions
- Street names, intersections, traffic signs, and nearby landmarks
- License plates and vehicle identification numbers, when safely accessible
- Any visible injuries, both at the scene and as they develop afterward
Photographs should include wide-angle views of the overall scene and close-up images of vehicle damage, injuries, and other important details. Do not place yourself in traffic or otherwise risk further injury to obtain photographs of your car accident.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
When it is safe to do so, exchange the information required by applicable law with the other driver or drivers. Important information may include:
- Full names of the drivers and other parties involved
- Current addresses and telephone numbers
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle registration information
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle identification numbers
- The names and contact information of any passengers
Avoid discussing fault or making statements about responsibility at the scene of your motor vehicle accident. Provide accurate identifying and insurance information, but allow law enforcement, the insurance companies, and the attorneys involved to evaluate liability.
Identify Any Witnesses
Independent witnesses can provide valuable information when the parties disagree about how the auto accident occurred. Obtain each witness’s name, telephone number, email address, and a brief description of what the witness observed. If the witness agrees, you may also record a short statement using your phone.
Obtain the Police Report Information
If law enforcement responds, obtain the investigating officer’s name, agency, badge number, and crash-report number. The completed report may later contain information about the parties, vehicles, witnesses, citations, and the officer’s investigation.
Your health and safety should always come first. If you are injured, require emergency assistance, or cannot safely collect information, seek medical attention and allow law enforcement to document the scene. Missing information can often be obtained later through the police report, insurance records, vehicle records, or an attorney’s investigation.
Consult a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
An attorney can help preserve evidence, communicate with the insurance companies, evaluate disputed liability, document damages, and protect you from statements or decisions that could negatively affect your claim.
This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Accident-reporting requirements and insurance laws vary by jurisdiction. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Juan C. Burgos, Attorney at Law
When people seek legal representation, they are often facing one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether they have been seriously injured, are struggling with overwhelming debt, or are fighting to protect a business they spent years building, they need more than legal advice. They need an attorney they can trust. For Juan Carlos Burgos, that trust is earned through preparation, honesty, accessibility, and an unwavering commitment to every client he represents. In 2003, he became co-owner and President of B.M.R. Medical Group, a successful medical practice dedicated to treating individuals injured in automobile accidents and other personal injuries. Juan then earned his Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2009.
In September 2010, he founded The Law Offices of Juan C. Burgos, P.L., with one guiding mission: To provide exceptional legal representation while treating every client with honesty, compassion, professionalism, and respect.Today, he represents individuals, families, and businesses throughout Florida in matters involving personal injury, business litigation, Chapter 11 business reorganizations, Chapter 13 reorganizations, and Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
