Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice
If you’re ever in a car accident, one of the most important things you can do—after making sure everyone is safe—is to collect the proper evidence. The minutes right after a crash can be overwhelming, but what you do in that short time can make a big difference later.
Whether it’s helping an insurance claim or protecting your legal rights, gathering good documentation at the scene can support your version of events and strengthen your case.
The moments after a collision are often chaotic, but they offer the most unfiltered snapshot of what really happened on the road.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means if you’re more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can’t collect compensation. But if you’re less than 50% at fault, your damages may just be reduced. That’s why evidence is so substantial—it helps clarify who was responsible and how the crash happened.
In Oklahoma, a driver who is more than 50% at fault for a crash cannot recover compensation under the state’s comparative negligence law. — Oklahoma Statutes, Title 23 § 13
Insurance adjusters and attorneys use physical evidence to decide who pays what. In many cases, the better your documentation, the stronger your claim.
Start by getting the other driver’s name, license number, and insurance details. Also, please note their license plate number. If they are reluctant to share, wait for the police to arrive.
Take multiple photos from different angles. Focus on all vehicles involved, any visible damage, broken glass, and surrounding landmarks. Include wide shots to show the entire crash layout and close-ups for specific damage.
Photographs are among the most persuasive pieces of evidence in a car accident claim, especially when liability is disputed.
Skid marks can show how fast the vehicles were going or whether there was a sudden stop. Look for oil spills, loose gravel, potholes, or anything that could have played a role in the crash.
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact number. Neutral witnesses often provide unbiased statements that can back up your version of events.
Take photos of all nearby stop signs, traffic lights, or yield signs. These can help show whether a driver ignored traffic control devices, which often plays a role in determining fault.
If your car has a dashcam, save the video right away. Also, look around for red-light cameras, store cameras, or even doorbell cameras that recorded the collision. Note their locations or take photos of the camera setups.
If your injuries prevent you from collecting evidence, don’t panic. Your legal team may still be able to recover surveillance footage, police data, or digital records to support your case.
Always get the officer’s name and badge number on the scene. Ask when and where you can request a copy of the report. The report adds official weight to your version of events.
If you receive EMS care at the scene or are taken to a hospital, document what care you received. Even basic injury checks by paramedics help link the accident to your injuries.
Sometimes, your injuries are too severe for you to move or take photos. That’s okay. Other people—like passengers, witnesses, or police—may capture practical details. Later, your attorney can request camera footage, 911 records, or bodycam video from law enforcement.
Even if you can’t collect evidence yourself, there are still ways to secure the facts with help from a legal team.
When you file an insurance claim or pursue compensation for your injuries, the burden is often on you to prove what happened. The evidence you gather helps in several ways:
The strength of your evidence can determine how quickly and fairly a claim is resolved.
Evidence TypeWhy It Matters
Evidence Type | Why It Matters |
Photos of vehicles and damage | Shows extent and angle of impact |
Witness contact info | May provide unbiased accounts |
Skid marks and debris | Helps reconstruct crash dynamics |
Driver and insurance info | Essential for filing a claim |
Road conditions or signage | Reveals contributing environmental factors |
Camera footage | Provides time-stamped, third-party view |
Police report ID | Supports credibility of accident details |
You can still build a strong case. Your lawyer can request footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or city intersections if you act quickly.
As soon as it is safe. Witnesses may leave the scene quickly, so gathering their names and phone numbers early helps ensure accurate testimony later.
Yes, if the footage is clear and relevant. It can offer a reliable, timestamped record of the moments leading up to and during the crash.
Yes, especially if there’s injury, death, or significant property damage. Always request a police report—it supports your claim even in minor crashes.
Substantial evidence can help reduce your share of liability under Oklahoma’s comparative fault rule and preserve your right to compensation.
Absolutely. Verbal admissions may be retracted later. Documentation ensures that your claim has independent support regardless of what the other party says.
After a car crash, what you do next can shape the outcome of your case. Gathering solid evidence at the scene—photos, details, witness info—makes it easier to protect your rights and tell your side of the story.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers understands how critical this process is. Their team helps clients in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma document accidents thoroughly and pursue fair compensation for their injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are unsure what steps to take, Early legal advice can have a significant impact.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
