In a personal injury case, evidence is everything. The difference between a strong claim and a weak one often comes down to what you preserved in the hours and days after the accident — before surveillance footage is overwritten, before witnesses move on, and before the scene changes. Here's what to preserve and why each item matters.
Photos and Video from the Scene
Visual documentation taken immediately after an accident is some of the most valuable evidence you can have. If it is safe to do so, photograph and video:
- The position and damage of all vehicles before they are moved
- Both cars from multiple angles
- Close-ups of impact points, deployed airbags, and broken glass
- Skid marks and road conditions
- Traffic signals, stop signs, lane markings, and any road hazards
- Weather conditions, lighting, and visibility
- Your visible injuries and those of any passengers
- The license plates of all involved vehicles
Even if an accident seems minor in the moment, this documentation could be critical if injuries develop later or if the other driver disputes what happened.
Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, get their name, phone number, and email address immediately. Witnesses who stop at the scene often leave after a few minutes, especially in busy Las Vegas traffic. Once they're gone, they can be very difficult to locate. Even a brief account from a neutral witness can significantly strengthen a disputed liability case.
The Police Report
When Las Vegas Metro Police, Nevada Highway Patrol, or local law enforcement responds to your accident, a police report is filed. This report documents the date, time, and location of the accident, the vehicles and drivers involved, any citations issued, and the officer's initial assessment of fault. Request a copy as soon as it's available — typically within a few days — and review it for accuracy.
Medical Records and Bills
Every medical visit connected to your injuries — from the emergency room on the night of the accident through your final follow-up — creates a record that supports your claim. Preserve:
- Emergency room records and discharge summaries
- Imaging results (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Diagnosis and treatment notes from physicians
- Physical therapy and chiropractic care records
- Pharmacy receipts for medications
- Billing statements and explanation of benefits from your insurer
These records establish the nature and extent of your injuries and directly support your economic damages claim.
Dashcam Footage
If your vehicle has a dashcam, preserve that footage immediately. Do not overwrite it. If the other vehicle involved appears to have a dashcam, note it and tell your attorney — that footage may be obtainable through legal discovery. Some Las Vegas intersections and commercial vehicles also have cameras that may have captured the accident.
Your Own Written Account
As soon as you are able, write down everything you remember about the accident: where you were going, what you observed before the collision, the sequence of events, road and weather conditions, what the other driver said or did, and anything else relevant. Memory fades quickly, especially after a traumatic event. A contemporaneous account written in your own words is valuable evidence.
Social Media Caution
This is critically important: do not post about your accident, injuries, or recovery on social media. Insurance companies routinely monitor the social media profiles of claimants. A photo of you looking healthy at a family event, a post about going to the gym, or even a comment about feeling better can be taken out of context and used to minimize your claim.
Set your accounts to private and avoid posting anything related to your health, activities, or the accident until your case is fully resolved.
Why a Paper Trail Matters
Personal injury cases are built on evidence. An attorney can argue on your behalf, but arguments must be backed by documentation. The stronger and more complete your paper trail, the harder it is for an insurance company to dispute the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the value of your claim.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — consult with a qualified Nevada personal injury attorney about your specific situation.
If you've been in a car accident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Southern Nevada and want to make sure your evidence is preserved and your claim is protected, call the personal injury lawyers at Cap & Kudler for a free consultation with an attorney.