Personal Injury Document Checklist

After an accident, paperwork and digital files add up quickly. This checklist is meant to be simple: save what you have, keep it in one place, and do not throw anything away until we tell you it is safe to do so. If you do not have an item listed below, do not worry. We can often request records once we represent you.

Scene and incident evidence

• Photos or video of the scene (wide shots and close-ups)
• Photos of visible injuries (taken over time as bruising changes)
• Photos of property damage (all angles)
• Photos of hazards (spill, broken step, poor lighting, missing signage, loose dog, etc.)
• Date, time, and exact location/address of the incident
• Notes you wrote about what happened (as soon as possible after the incident)
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• Names and badge numbers of responding officers or security (if applicable)

Auto accident specific

• Driver’s license and insurance information exchanged at the scene
• Vehicle plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
• Tow receipt and storage information
• Repair estimate(s) and repair invoices
• Rental car receipts
• Photos of the vehicles before repair
• Any dashcam footage you have
• Any rideshare trip screenshots (Uber/Lyft) if it occurred during a ride

Slip/trip and premises incidents

• Incident report you completed or requested from the business/property
• Name and contact info of the manager or employee you reported to
• Photos of the hazard and surrounding area (including warnings or lack of warnings)
• Shoes you were wearing (do not throw them away)
• Clothing worn at the time (save it if damaged or stained)

Dog bites and animal attacks

• Photos of the injury right away and during healing
• Animal control report number (if reported)
• Owner’s name, address, and contact information (if known)
• Any texts, emails, or messages with the owner
• Vaccination information for the animal (if provided)
• Names and contact information of witnesses

Product-related incidents

• The product itself (do not repair it, alter it, or throw it away)
• Packaging, instructions, warnings, and labels
• Receipt or proof of purchase
• Photos of the product and where/how it was used
• Any emails/messages with the seller or manufacturer

Reports and official documents

• Police report number and a copy of the report when available
• Incident report from a business/property/venue
• EMT or ambulance records (if applicable)
• Any citations issued (if applicable)

Insurance information and communications

• Insurance declarations page(s) (auto, homeowner’s, renter’s, health)
• Claim number(s) for each insurer involved
• Adjuster names, phone numbers, emails, and mailing addresses
• Copies/screenshots of letters, emails, and text messages from insurers
• Notes of phone calls (date/time, who you spoke with, what was discussed)
• Any recorded statement requests (do not agree without legal advice)
• Any settlement offers, releases, or checks (do not sign or cash without review)

Medical records and treatment paperwork

• ER/urgent care discharge instructions
• After-visit summaries from appointments
• Referral forms and specialist recommendations
• Imaging records and results (X-ray, MRI, CT)
• Physical therapy notes or treatment plans (if provided)
• Prescription receipts and pharmacy printouts
• Medical bills (hospital, doctor, PT, imaging, labs)
• Co-pay receipts and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from health insurance
• Receipts for braces, crutches, splints, medical devices, and supplies
• A list of providers you have seen (names, locations, dates)

Work and income documents

• Pay stubs from before and after the incident
• A list of days missed, reduced hours, or leaving early
• Doctor’s work notes and restrictions
• Employer letter confirming time missed and rate of pay (if available)
• If self-employed: invoices, calendar entries, contracts, and proof of lost work
• Any disability paperwork submitted (if applicable)

Expenses and out-of-pocket costs

• Receipts for medications and medical supplies
• Mileage log to appointments (date, location, miles)
• Parking, tolls, rideshare receipts for medical visits
• Household help expenses you needed because of the injury (if applicable)
• Replacement services costs (childcare help, cleaning help) if paid due to restrictions

Your injury journal

• Weekly notes on symptoms and limitations (sleep, driving, lifting, standing, sitting)
• Notes on activities you cannot do or can only do with difficulty
• Notes on flare-ups, missed events, and how long symptoms last
• Photos of scarring during healing (if applicable)

Things to save and avoid

• Save damaged personal items (helmets, phones, glasses, clothing)
• Do not repair, discard, or return key evidence items until we advise you
• Do not post details about the incident or your injuries on social media
• Do not sign releases or cash settlement checks without legal review

Simple organization tip

Create one folder on your phone called “Accident Documents” and add subfolders:

• Photos
• Medical
• Insurance
• Work
• Receipts

Take photos of paper documents and upload them to that folder the same day you receive them.

Want us to help you organize this?

If you were injured in California and want help figuring out what matters and what you can ignore, contact Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell for a free consultation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, and you pay no attorney fees unless there is a recovery.