“Every 6 minutes, someone is injured in a crash on Georgia roads.”
That stat comes directly from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Let it sink in.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve either been in a car accident or you’re trying to prepare for the possibility. Smart move. In the chaos after a crash, adrenaline takes over.
But once things settle, one of the most important things you can do is start documenting accident evidence. It can mean the difference between a successful insurance claim and walking away with nothing.
Why Documenting Accident Evidence Matters
Car accidents aren’t just inconvenient, they’re expensive. According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of a non-fatal disabling injury crash in 2023 was $155,000.
In Georgia alone, there were over 387,000 crashes in 2022. More than 1,700 people died. Thousands more were injured.
When it comes time to file a personal injury claim, facts matter more than opinions. And insurance companies? They’ll do anything to pay less.
Having well-documented evidence from the scene puts you in control of the narrative. It shows what happened, how it happened, and what you suffered. This helps your attorney build a strong case, fast.
Importance of Photos
Photos are often the most powerful form of documentation. Why? Because they capture what words can’t. They freeze the scene before it’s altered, before the cars are towed, before tire marks fade, before people change their stories.
Focus on these:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals and signage
- Weather
- Injuries, no matter how minor
- Surrounding buildings or businesses (in case they have cameras)
Your phone camera can preserve evidence better than your memory ever will.
Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses bring objectivity to a very subjective situation. They’re not invested in the outcome, they just saw what happened.
If someone stops to help or hangs around, ask them:
- “Would you be willing to share what you saw?”
- “Can I record your statement?”
- “Can I get your name and number in case we need a follow-up?”
Even a short sentence from a witness can support your claim or contradict the other driver’s version of events. And that can be huge.
Police Involvement
Police reports hold a lot of weight in insurance negotiations and lawsuits. If the crash seems minor, it might be tempting to skip calling the police. Don’t.
Officers will:
- Record details that might not be visible later (like intoxication, aggression, or distracted driving)
- Document statements from all parties
- File an official report that can’t be changed later
Ask for the incident report number. You’ll need it to request a copy later. In Georgia, this can typically be done through the local department.
Step-by-Step: How to Document Evidence After a Crash
1. Make Safety the First Priority
Before you think about photos or fault, focus on immediate safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, even if they seem minor.
If anyone is unconscious, bleeding, or in pain, call 911 right away. Don’t move them unless there’s an immediate threat, like a fire or oncoming traffic.
If you’re physically able, turn on your hazard lights. This warns other drivers to slow down and helps prevent a second collision.
If the vehicles are blocking traffic but there are no major injuries, and it’s safe to do so, move your car to the side of the road. Georgia law actually requires drivers to move their vehicles out of the roadway if possible, under the “Steer It, Clear It” law.
Only exit your vehicle if it’s safe. Stand away from the roadway or behind a guardrail if there is one. The side of a highway or busy intersection is not the place to have a conversation or check damages.
2. Take Clear, Wide-Angle Photos
Use your phone. Don’t worry about being artistic, just be thorough.
Here’s what to capture:
- All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
- Damage to each car
- License plates
- Skid marks, broken glass, debris
- Traffic signs, road conditions, weather
- Any visible injuries you or passengers sustained
- The general scene, including intersections or landmarks
Photos are timestamps. They’re hard to argue against. And the sooner you take them, the more accurate they’ll be.
3. Record Videos (with Audio, if Possible)
Walk around the vehicles slowly and narrate what you see. Videos help capture details that photos might miss, like sounds (horns, screeching tires), tone of voice, or movements.
Be calm and stick to facts.
4. Exchange Information, the Smart Way
Get this info from the other driver(s):
- Full name and contact number
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of their vehicle
Take a picture of their ID and insurance card, don’t just write it down.
Also, avoid admitting fault or apologizing. Just gather facts.
5. Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the crash happen, ask them for a quick written or recorded statement. Have them say:
- What they saw
- Where they were standing or driving
- The time and conditions
- Their contact info (name, phone, email)
Witnesses can back up your version of events if it comes down to a dispute.
6. Get a Copy of the Police Report
When officers arrive, they’ll create an official accident report. This is a key piece of documentation. Ask:
- For the officer’s name and badge number
- How and when you can request the report
In Georgia, you can typically request the report online through the Georgia Department of Transportation Crash Reporting Unit.
7. Write Down Everything While It’s Fresh
Once you’re home or in a safe place, document your side of the story. This should include:
- What led up to the accident
- What you saw and heard
- What the other driver said or did
- How you felt physically afterward
- Anything you remember that might seem small (it might be big later)
Time affects memory. Write it while it’s fresh.
Medical Records
Injuries aren’t always obvious. A sore neck today might become a herniated disc in a week. That’s why you should always get medical care, even if you feel okay.
Keep everything:
- ER visits
- Imaging results (X-rays, MRIs)
- Diagnoses and treatment plans
- Prescriptions
- Follow-up appointments
Ask your doctors to document symptoms clearly. These records connect the accident to your injuries. And insurance adjusters will look for any reason to say the two aren’t related.
Mistakes to Avoid
People often sabotage their case without realizing it. Here’s what to avoid:
- Not calling the police. No report means no proof of the crash
- Admitting fault. That’s for investigators and attorneys to sort out
- Skipping medical care. Delays make it harder to link the crash to your injuries
- Forgetting to document the scene. Evidence disappears fast
- Speaking to the other party’s insurance alone. You aren’t required to. Talk to a lawyer first
These mistakes can cost you thousands, or your entire claim.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Call The Roth Firm Today
Documenting accident evidence isn’t about paranoia. It’s about protecting your rights and building a strong case from day one. The steps you take right after a crash can shape your outcome for months or even years.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and want help holding the right party accountable, reach out to The Roth Firm today. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.