Car accident evidence: what to keep before discussing compensation

Safety first, then preserve evidence

After a car accident, address safety and obtain necessary help first. Taking photographs should not delay assistance to injured people or put you at risk in traffic. Once safe, collect information to explain events and examine damage. This article suggests a file-organising approach for discussions with the responsible parties or a lawyer. It does not determine fault from one photograph or guarantee recovery of the amount requested.

Keep original footage and its context

If dashcam footage exists, preserve files before loop recording overwrites them, following an appropriate method for the device. Include the period before and after the incident. Make viewing copies and record which device supplied the files and when. If its clock was wrong, record the discrepancy separately rather than altering the original to appear correct. Keep annotated or cropped explanatory images as separate copies, and do not publicly expose the other party's information merely to pressure negotiations.

Connect each image to the actual event

When safe, capture wider views explaining the location and detailed damage photographs, recording dates, times and photographers where known. Record witness contact details they agree to provide, and distinguish their accounts from your own observations. Do not move items or stage a scene to support an explanation. Keep references and genuine copies of documents received from police or insurance surveyors; one document's title alone does not settle every right.

Separate quotations from money actually paid

List damage items and distinguish repair estimates, invoices and paid receipts, with workshop arrival and collection dates where available. Viriyah Insurance lists supporting documents for certain claims, including claim records, workshop handover documents and damage photographs. One insurer's list is not a universal requirement. Request the list applicable to your case. Do not present unsupported expenses as confirmed amounts, and remember that possessing a receipt does not establish that every item will be compensated.

Distinguish offers from signed agreements

Keep communications with the other party and insurer in chronological order. Identify requested amounts, offers and figures awaiting review. Before signing a draft, examine which losses it covers and any wording settling or waiving claims. Do not assume a phone conversation resolved everything when material points remain unclear. Ask a lawyer to review the document's effects and relevant deadlines against the actual facts, rather than waiting for negotiations to finish before checking timing.

Bring a traceable file to B Law Firm

Prepare a concise timeline, original files, evidence list, expenses separated by status and remaining disagreements for B Law Firm within its legal service scope. Issues might involve vehicle positions, the cause of damage or items an insurer has not yet considered. State honestly what is missing. Good preparation clarifies the issues, but liability, coverage and amounts still require assessment of the evidence and rules applicable to each case.

References

• Viriyah Insurance: Supporting documents for compensation claims (in Thai)