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What Information Should Be Gathered at an Accident Scene?

Written by: Jon Mitchell Jackson

Reputation Level 14

Posted over 3 years ago. 2 helpful votes, 0 comments

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Driver's License and Contact Info

Exchange your driver’s license, insurance and vehicle registration information. Write everything down in detail. This includes the driver's name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver's license number and expiration date, and insurance company.

Vehicle, Driver, Passenger and Owner Info

Also write down the other vehicle’s make, year, model, license plate number and expiration date, and vehicle identification number. It’s important to also write down the names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance companies of the other car's legal and registered owners (which may be different than the driver). And don’t forget the passengers in the other vehicle. Write down their names, addresses, dates of birth, driver's license numbers and telephone numbers.

Write Everything Down

In addition to the people involved in the accident, also introduce yourself to and then write down the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Politely ask them to stay to talk to the police officers. If they insist on leaving, ask them to tell you what they saw and write everything down. If a person involved in the accident or witness is not being cooperative or is driving off, try to get information you can use later to identify them. Write down all license plate numbers so that the police can trace the owner's name and address.

Pictures

Use your camera or cell phone camera to take photos of all people and vehicles involved in the accident. If the person who caused the accident is admitting fault, use the video function on your cell phone to video or record the admission of fault.

Police, Paramedics and Fire Fighter Info

Write down the name and badge number of all police officers, paramedics and fire fighters who are at the accident scene. Find out where you can get a copy of all incident and accident reports.

Draw Diagrams

Draw a simple diagram of the accident. Show the positions of all vehicles before, during and after the accident. Estimate your speed and that of the other vehicle. Be sure to record the exact time, date and place the accident happened. All skid marks should be shown and paced off with the distance indicated on your diagram. Also make sure to show all crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights or streetlights. If you have a camera or cell phone camera, take pictures of the scene, and of the other drivers and occupants. Remember to be safe and do not risk further injury while completing these tasks.

Several More Things

Write down notes about the weather and road conditions. If the accident happened at night, write down were the streetlights were located and if they were on. You are normally required by law to report the accident to the police and Department of Motor Vehicles if there is property damage and bodily injury. Special forms are normally required. If possible, hire a lawyer (using our nine questions) do assist you with this task. Any documents you complete, sign and submit are potential evidence and as such, should be down with the assistance of legal counsel.