Car Insurance How can I gather evidence at the accident scene to support my “not at fault” claim? View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Insure.com's EditorUpdated on: May 23, 2023 Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. To support your “not at fault” claim after an accident, take clear pictures and videos of the accident scene from various angles. Include close-ups of damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and signals. Get contact details from all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Note their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Make sure to take the insurance details of other drivers, such as the company name and policy number. Steps to gather evidence effectively Here’s how you can gather evidence after an accident to support your claim. Safety first: Ensure your safety and others involved. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Document the scene: Use your phone or camera to capture clear photos and videos. Focus on vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. Exchange information: Politely ask other drivers for their contact and insurance information. Share yours as well. Talk to witnesses: Approach any witnesses and ask for their account of the accident. Get their contact information, too. Police involvement (if necessary): If the accident is severe, call the police. Request a copy of the police report, as it can be important evidence. Keep a record: Write down your own account of the accident while it’s fresh in your memory. Include details like the time, date, weather conditions, and what you remember about the accident. Seek medical attention (if needed): Even if you don’t have immediate injuries, visit a doctor soon after the accident to get checked for any latent injuries. Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the evidence you’ve gathered. By following these steps and collecting the right evidence, you can support your “not at fault” claim and improve your chances of fair compensation. Remember to stay calm throughout the process. Final thoughts It’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney or your insurance company for specific advice and guidance on how to gather evidence after an accident. In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024 Car insurance rates by state in 2024 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2024 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Used car insurance costs: Most and least expensive models to insure The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to car insurance discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read your auto insurance policy Car Insurance Companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make? Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates