Evidence is at the heart of every accident claim. It helps show how the accident happened, who was responsible and how it has affected you. Here are the main types of evidence that can make a difference.
Evidence about how the accident happened
- Photographs and video of the scene, the hazard, vehicles or equipment involved, taken as soon as possible
- CCTV and dashcam footage, which is often deleted after a short time, so ask for it to be preserved quickly
- Witness details, including names, phone numbers and email addresses
- Accident reports, such as an employer’s accident book entry, a shop incident report or a police reference number
- Documents such as risk assessments, maintenance records or training records, which may be requested from the other side
Evidence about your injuries
Medical evidence is usually essential. Seeking medical attention promptly creates a record of your injuries soon after the accident. Later in the claim, an independent medical expert normally examines you and prepares a report.
Photographs of visible injuries over time, such as bruising, cuts or scarring, can also help show how your injuries developed and healed.
Evidence about your losses
- Payslips, tax returns or accounts showing earnings before and after the accident
- Receipts for medication, treatment, travel and equipment
- A record of care and help provided by family and friends, including the hours involved
- Records of any holidays, events or activities you missed or could not enjoy
Keep a symptom diary
A short, regular diary of your pain, sleep, mood and daily activities can be very useful. It helps you describe accurately how the injury has affected you, especially if the claim takes some time.
Be careful with social media
Insurers sometimes look at social media. Posts and photographs can be taken out of context. It is sensible to think carefully about what you post while a claim is ongoing.
You do not need to have all this evidence before getting in touch. Contact us and we will explain what would be most helpful in your situation.
