Clearway / Claimant toolkitGuide 01
Accident evidence checklist
A place to start after an accident. Tick the items you have and note anything you would like help finding. You do not need every item before asking for advice.
People come first. Prioritise safety and any medical help needed. Only gather information where it is safe to do so; do not put yourself at risk or recreate the incident.
01The basics, for any accident
- Write down the date, approximate time, exact location and what you remember happening. Separate what you saw from anything you were told afterwards.
- Keep photographs of the location, hazard, vehicle positions or damaged items, where available.
- Note witness names and contact details if they are willing to provide them.
- Keep original camera recordings and a backup. Note nearby cameras and raise footage enquiries promptly, as recordings may not be kept for long.
- Keep the names of people or organisations told about the incident, and any report or reference number.
- Note the medical help received, ongoing symptoms and the effect on work and everyday activities.
- Keep relevant letters, messages, receipts, appointment records and evidence of lost earnings together.
Date, time and location
Report / reference number and who holds it
02Add the details that fit your accident
On the road
- Vehicle registrations, driver details and any insurer correspondence.
- Direction of travel, road layout, weather and visibility as you remember them.
- Tickets or booking details if you were a passenger; photographs and receipts for damaged equipment if relevant.
At work
- The accident-book entry or internal report; ask for a copy if available.
- Your role, the task, equipment involved and who was supervising or present.
- Relevant training records, safety information or messages you already have.
In a public place
- The venue or street address and precise position of the hazard.
- Photographs showing the surrounding area and the hazard, where available.
- Who the incident was reported to, when they were told and any incident-report reference.
03Gaps to discuss
Information I already have / information I would like help finding
Keep the original records. You do not need to decide who was legally responsible before seeking an initial assessment.