After a serious crash, the first priority is health and safety. Once immediate needs are handled, organization becomes important because photos, records, and dates can become harder to reconstruct later.

What to preserve

  • Photos of vehicles, the road, visible injuries, and relevant surroundings.
  • Police or incident reports and towing information.
  • Insurance claim numbers and written communications.
  • Medical visit summaries, restrictions, and bills.

Write a short timeline

Record where you were going, what happened, when treatment began, and which conversations followed. Keep the timeline factual and separate from assumptions about fault.

Before speaking with counsel

Ask how evidence should be preserved, whether you should communicate directly with insurers, and what deadlines or notice requirements may apply.

Legal-information notice: This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and facts.