What Evidence Matters Most in Car Accident Claims?
April 17, 2025
Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, but the aftermath can drag on for months.
Evidence tells the story of what happened, and it’s the foundation of any successful case.
At The Alexander Law Firm, LLC in Kansas City, Kansas, we've helped clients from all walks of life who found themselves trying to make sense of the damage, the medical bills, and the legal process that follows a collision.
Whether you’re pursuing compensation for injuries or defending yourself in a claim where fault is disputed, having the right documentation matters.
Why Evidence Is So Important in Car Accident Claims
When emotions run high and injuries take center stage, it’s easy to overlook the details. But those details become crucial later. Insurance companies, courts, and even juries need to see proof—not just hear stories—when deciding who’s liable and what compensation is appropriate under traffic law.
Strong evidence helps us do the following:
Prove who was at fault for the accident
Support medical claims with solid documentation
Link injuries to the accident itself
Disprove exaggerated or false counterclaims
Strengthen negotiations with insurance companies
Every item you collect helps paint a picture of what happened and who’s responsible. Without strong evidence, even the most serious injuries or clear liability can be questioned.
The Police Report and Why It’s Critical
One of the first and most important documents in any car accident case is the police report. This document is usually completed at the scene by responding officers and often provides an objective summary of what occurred.
The police report typically includes:
Date, time, and location of the accident
Names and statements of the involved parties
Witness accounts and contact information
Initial determination of fault (if any)
Road and weather conditions at the scene
While not always the final word on fault, police reports carry weight with insurers and can be a helpful starting point when traffic law disputes arise.
Eyewitness Statements and Their Power
Eyewitnesses provide an unbiased perspective that can support or contradict the accounts of the drivers involved. When someone who saw the accident is willing to give a statement, it can make a major difference.
Helpful details witnesses can provide include:
What they saw in the moments leading up to the crash
Descriptions of driver behavior or signals ignored
Observations about vehicle speed or direction
Reactions or admissions at the scene
Whether anyone appeared impaired or distracted
We always recommend collecting names and contact info from anyone nearby. Their testimony can help fill in gaps or verify your side of the story.
Photos and Videos From the Scene
Visual evidence can be incredibly persuasive in traffic law. With most of us carrying phones, there’s usually a chance to capture images or videos after the crash.
Things to photograph or record include:
Vehicle damage from multiple angles
Road conditions, skid marks, and debris
Traffic signs, signals, or obstructions
Injuries (if appropriate to do so)
The positions of vehicles before being moved
Even brief videos can document a lot. In some cases, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or dashcams can offer additional support. These visuals often help clarify disputed facts.
Medical Records and Injury Documentation
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, medical records form the backbone of a personal injury claim. Without them, it’s difficult to prove that injuries were serious or even related to the crash.
Key medical evidence includes:
Emergency room visits and diagnostic results
Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
Physical therapy reports
Prescription records
Statements linking the injury to the crash
Delays in treatment can hurt your case. That’s why we always advise seeking medical attention immediately—even for pain that seems minor at first.
Vehicle Damage Estimates and Repair Records
The damage to your car can also serve as valuable evidence. Not only do repair records support the financial side of a claim, but they can also back up your account of the crash’s severity.
Be sure to obtain the following useful information from vehicle repair records:
Cost of repairs or replacement
Extent and location of the damage
Professional assessment of impact force
Any mechanical failures resulting from the accident
Photos and estimates can strengthen claims for compensation. They also show the insurance company you’ve taken proper steps to document your losses.
Cell Phone and GPS Data
In some situations, cell phone records or GPS logs can provide crucial details. For example, if one driver was texting or making calls at the time of the crash, this data can support claims of distracted driving.
This type of evidence may include:
Call logs and text message timestamps
App usage at the time of the crash
GPS coordinates showing speed or route
Phone camera activity (e.g., live video or photos)
While more difficult to obtain, this type of digital evidence can make or break a traffic law case. We help clients request this data when it’s relevant to proving fault.
Traffic and Surveillance Camera Footage
Kansas City is full of intersections with traffic cams, and many businesses have exterior surveillance. This footage can be invaluable for showing what happened.
Footage may reveal:
The sequence of events leading to the collision
Traffic signal violations or speeding
Aggressive or reckless driving behavior
Conflicting accounts from the involved parties
We recommend acting quickly if you think nearby cameras captured the crash. These recordings are often deleted within days or weeks, and time is of the essence.
Employment and Income Records
When you’re injured in an accident, lost income is often part of the claim. To prove this loss, you need to document your earnings and how the injury impacted your ability to work.
Helpful documents include:
Pay stubs or tax returns
Employer letters verifying missed work
Disability or sick leave records
Proof of reduced hours or demotion
These financial records help demonstrate the long-term effect the crash has had on your life—and why compensation is warranted.
How to Protect Evidence After an Accident
The steps you take immediately after a crash can influence the availability and quality of your evidence. We recommend staying calm, acting quickly, and prioritizing safety while also documenting what you can.
Smart actions to take include:
Calling 911 and requesting a police report
Taking photos of everything relevant at the scene
Getting contact information from witnesses
Seeking medical care right away
Following up with a legal firm as soon as possible
Time matters. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and opportunities to gather key documents may be lost without quick action.
Taking the Right Steps Toward Justice
Car accidents can lead to physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial pressure. But with the right evidence and legal support, you can seek justice and compensation. Knowing what proof matters most gives you the power to fight back.
Contact Our Firm Today
Skilled legal representation is crucial following an accident. At The Alexander Law Firm, LLC, we proudly serve clients in Kansas City, Kansas, and throughout Wyandotte County and Johnson County. We're ready to help you build your case with confidence, compassion, and experience. If you or someone you love has been involved in a crash, reach out to us today.