What to Document at the Scene of a Car Accident

Car accidents can be overwhelming and chaotic, especially in the moments immediately following the collision. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious crash, knowing what to document at the scene is crucial. 

From gathering contact information to photographing vehicle damage and road conditions, documenting the right information can make all the difference in the aftermath.

Here, an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer will walk you through the essential details you should record after an accident.

Exchange and Record Essential Information

After assuring everyone's safety and calling 911 if necessary, the first step is to exchange information with all drivers involved. Missouri law requires drivers to provide certain details after an accident. Make sure to record:

• Full names and contact information of all drivers and passengers

• Driver’s license numbers

• License plate numbers

• Insurance company names and policy numbers

• Make, model, and color of all vehicles involved

Also, gather contact details for any witnesses. Their statements can be valuable later if fault is disputed.

Photograph the Scene Thoroughly

Visual evidence can be one of the most powerful tools when filing an insurance claim or proving liability. Use your phone to take clear, wide-angle, and close-up photos of:

• Vehicle damage (all sides)

• The entire accident scene, including road signs, signals, and intersections

• Skid marks, broken glass, or debris

• Weather and lighting conditions

• Injuries, if visible and appropriate to capture

Try to document the positions of the vehicles before they're moved, if it’s safe to do so. 

File an Official Report and Take Personal Notes

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, you’re legally required to report an accident to the police if it involves injury, death, or property damage over $500. 

Cooperate with law enforcement, and ask for a copy of the accident report or the officer’s badge number and report number for follow-up. Your car accident lawyer can assist if necessary.

In addition, write down your own notes as soon as possible while the details are still fresh, including:

• The time and date of the accident

• Your account of how the accident occurred

• Any statements made by the other driver(s)

• Road and traffic conditions at the time

This documentation can be extremely useful for insurance claims and any potential legal action.

Identify and Document Witnesses

Witnesses can provide neutral, third-party accounts of how the accident occurred—something that can be crucial if the other driver disputes your version of events. As soon as it’s safe, look around for anyone who may have seen the collision and ask for:

• Their full name and contact information: Get their phone number, email address, and mailing address if possible. This will make it easier for your insurance company or attorney to follow up later if needed.

• A brief summary of what they saw: Ask them to describe what they observed before, during, and after the crash. Even small details—like who had the green light or whether someone was speeding—can be helpful.

• Whether they're willing to provide a written or recorded statement: If they agree, use your phone to record a short video or voice memo, or have them jot down their account. Having their statement captured early can preserve key facts that might be forgotten over time.

Even if they’re in a nearby vehicle or walking on the sidewalk, witness input can strengthen your claim.

Check for Nearby Surveillance Cameras

Traffic and security cameras are increasingly common and may have captured the accident on video. Take a quick scan of the area for:

• Nearby businesses with security cameras

• Residential doorbell or driveway cameras

• City-owned traffic or intersection cameras

Make a note of the camera’s location and who owns it (e.g., the name of the business or building). Your car accident lawyer can request footage as soon as possible. In many cases, video data is only retained for a short period of time.

Preserve Medical Documentation and Injury Details

Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly and keep a thorough record of all treatments. In Missouri, detailed documentation of your injuries can directly impact insurance claims and personal injury cases. Be sure to keep track of:

• All doctor visits and diagnoses

• Treatment plans, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments

• Medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses

• Photos of visible injuries over time

• Personal notes describing pain levels or limitations in daily activities

Accurate medical records can help your car accident lawyer demonstrate the physical and financial toll of the accident if legal action becomes necessary.

Document Road and Weather Conditions

Road and weather conditions can play a significant role in how an accident occurs. Be sure to record:

• The type of road surface (e.g., wet, icy, gravel, or under construction)

• Visibility levels at the time of the crash (e.g., fog, rain, nighttime)

• Traffic signals or signs that may have contributed to the accident

Photos or videos capturing the conditions at the time of the accident can help provide important context when reviewing fault or liability.

Secure a Copy of the Police Report

A police report is often a key piece of evidence in both insurance and legal claims. After the responding officer completes their investigation:

• Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and the report number

• Request instructions on how to obtain a copy of the report (often available online or through the local police department)

• Review the report for accuracy once available, and notify authorities if any important detail is missing or incorrect

This report may include statements from all involved parties, diagrams of the crash scene, and the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault. If you need assistance obtaining a copy of the report, don't hesitate to reach out to Attorney Johnson at the Johnson Law Firm for assistance.

Keep a Personal Accident Diary

In the days and weeks following the accident, maintaining a personal diary can be incredibly useful for tracking your recovery and the impact the crash has had on your daily life, especially when it comes to medical injuries. Include entries that document:

• Pain levels, mobility issues, or emotional distress you're experiencing

• Missed workdays, household responsibilities you’re unable to perform, or social activities you've had to skip

• Changes in sleep, appetite, or general well-being

This journal can help support a claim for pain and suffering or lost quality of life, which is often harder to quantify than medical bills or repair costs.

Preserve All Related Documents and Communication

Staying organized is critical after an accident, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical providers, or legal counsel. Be sure to collect and store documentation such as:

• Emails, letters, and text messages with insurance adjusters, lawyers, or other drivers

• Repair estimates, towing receipts, rental car records, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses

• Medical records, bills, and explanation-of-benefits (EOB) statements from your health insurer

Consider keeping both physical copies and digital backups to make sure nothing gets lost if you need to refer to these items later with your car accident lawyer.

Contact a Skilled Car Accident Attorney

If you've been involved in a car accident and you need to speak to an experienced lawyer, reach out to Johnson Law Firm.

Attorney Nathan Johnson and serves clients in St. Joseph, Country Club, Platte City, Plattsburg, Stewartsville, Savannah, Cameron, and Lathrop. Contact the firm today.