What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Personal Injury Claim?

Posted
AuthorKatie Ashman

If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, gathering the right evidence can play an important role in supporting your personal injury claim. As the injured party bringing the claim, you will need to provide evidence to support what happened. This is known as the burden of proof.

While we will help gather additional evidence to build your case, the stronger the evidence you can preserve from the outset, then the stronger your claim is likely to be.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the evidence you should try to obtain after an accident.

What evidence should I gather after a road traffic collision?

If you have been involved in a road traffic collision as a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian, you should, where it is safe and practical to do so, try to gather the following evidence as soon as possible after the incident:

Photographs and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, vehicle damage and road layout;
Registration numbers, names, addresses and insurance details of all drivers involved;
Contact details for any independent witnesses;
Dashcam footage if available;
*CCTV footage where possible;
Police incident or crime reference number.

*The retention period for CCTV footage typically ranges from a few days to one month, depending on the policy of the organisation that owns the system. It is therefore crucial to request the footage as soon as possible.

What evidence should I gather after an accident at work?

Employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to provide a safe working environment. The following evidence can help establish whether appropriate systems, training and equipment were in place:

A copy or photograph of the accident book entry;
Photographs of the accident location;
Photographs of defective equipment or unsafe working conditions;
Contact details of colleagues who witnessed the accident;
Details of any PPE provided;
Copies of any training records you hold.

What evidence should I gather after a slip or trip?

Hazards can often be repaired quickly once they have been reported. Taking photographs immediately after the accident can provide valuable evidence of the condition that caused your injuries. If possible, obtain:

Photographs of the defect or hazard before it is repaired, both up close and from further away so the defect can be seen in comparison to the surrounding area;
Measurements of potholes, cracks or uneven paving using a tape measure or ruler – and a photograph showing these measurements;
Photographs showing a lack of warning signs, if applicable;
Contact details for any independent witnesses;
CCTV details if nearby businesses or councils may have captured the incident.

What evidence should I gather if I am injured abroad?

Evidence obtained overseas can sometimes be difficult to retrieve once you return home, so making early enquiries are especially important. Try to collect:

Photographs of the accident location;
Details of hotel staff or tour representatives;
Copies of any accident report completed by the hotel, resort or tour operator;
Contact details for any independent witnesses;
Local police reports, if applicable;
Medical records from treatment received abroad;
Booking confirmations;
Travel insurance information.

General evidence that helps most personal injury claims

Whatever type of accident you have experienced, it is sensible to keep:

Photographs any visible injuries and as they heal;
A diary of your symptoms and recovery, including details of any care and assistance provided by family or friends;
Medical appointment records;
Receipts for medication, treatment, medical aids and travel expenses;
Evidence of any loss of earnings, including payslips or confirmation from your employer.

How we can help

We understand that the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. Your priority is likely to be your recovery, not gathering evidence or navigating the legal process.

That is where we can help. Our experienced personal injury solicitors will guide you through your claim, advise you on the evidence needed to support your case and help obtain additional evidence wherever possible. We are here to provide clear, practical advice and support every step of the way.

Next Steps: Get in touch

If you would like to discuss your personal injury claim then please do not hesitate to reach out to our team of legal experts at John Hodge Solicitors, conveniently located throughout the South West, with offices in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare and Yatton.

You can contact us either: