Free Tool · Evidence Checker · Car accident
What evidence do I need for a car accident claim?
Pick the items you've already documented from your crash. We'll show you what's typically associated with car-accident claims, what's still missing from the file, and what's commonly recommended next — in plain language, no legalese.
The tool
Check the items you have, from the crash.
Check every piece of evidence you already have.
Don't worry about whether it's “good enough” — if you have it, check it. Items are weighted by how much they typically move the needle in a auto accident / motor vehicle case.
How this tool works
A weighted checklist, not a magic 8-ball.
Caseworth's intake team reviewed how firms across our network actually triage incoming matters. Three signals showed up consistently: which items you have, how clear fault is, and how recent the incident is. We turned that into a deterministic score — no AI, no vague answers — so you get a reliable baseline before you talk to anyone.
Other case types
Different case, different evidence.
A great surveillance video is everything in a slip-and-fall and only context in a medical-malpractice claim. Pick the closest match to your situation:
Truck accident
Crashes involving commercial trucks — federal rules and corporate defendants raise the stakes.
Motorcycle accident
Bias against motorcyclists is real — strong evidence carries even more weight here.
Pedestrian / bicycle accident
Vehicle vs. person on foot or bicycle — injuries are usually severe.
Slip & fall / premises liability
Injuries on someone else's property — stores, sidewalks, apartment buildings, restaurants.
Medical malpractice
Substandard care that caused injury — misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes.
Wrongful death
Death caused by another's negligent or wrongful act — the family pursues the claim.
Product liability
Injury from a defective product — manufacturing defect, design defect, or failure to warn.
Workers' compensation
On-the-job injuries — a no-fault system with strict notice requirements.
Dog bite / animal attack
Bites and attacks — many states impose strict liability on the animal's owner.
Car accident FAQ
Questions people ask, after a crash.
What evidence do I need for a car accident claim?
Car-accident claims are typically supported by the police report, photos of the scene and vehicle damage, witness contact information, emergency-room and follow-up medical records, and documentation of lost wages. Surveillance or dashcam video, when available, is among the most persuasive evidence.
How do I document a car accident at the scene?
Take photos of every vehicle involved — front, back, sides, and interior. Capture the wider scene including skid marks, debris, and traffic controls. Photograph the other driver's license and insurance card. And get witness names and phone numbers before anyone leaves.
What photos should I take after a car accident?
Wide shots of the scene before vehicles are moved, close-ups of all damage, traffic signals and signs, road conditions, license plates, and any visible injuries. Time-stamped phone photos are sufficient — quantity matters more than quality.
Do I need a police report for a car accident claim?
A police report is not legally required to file an insurance claim, but it's one of the strongest pieces of evidence and is requested in nearly every claim. If officers didn't respond, most states accept a self-filed DMV incident report as a substitute.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
Statutes of limitation for car accidents range from 2 to 4 years in most U.S. states, measured from the date of the crash. Insurance carriers often impose shorter notice deadlines — sometimes as little as 30 days — in the policy itself.
What is EDR or event-data-recorder data?
Most vehicles built after 2014 contain an event data recorder — a 'black box' capturing speed, brake input, throttle position, seatbelt status, and airbag deployment in the seconds before a crash. EDR data typically overwrites within 30 days, so preservation is time-sensitive.
What if I was partly at fault?
Partial fault doesn't end a case in most states. Comparative-negligence rules reduce recovery by your share of fault — for example, 20% at fault means an 80% recovery. A handful of states apply contributory-negligence rules that are stricter; jurisdictional fit matters here.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is legal information, not legal advice. Using this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Caseworth or any firm.