Why the First 10 Minutes Matter
After an accident, evidence can be lost quickly. Cars get moved. Glass gets swept. Witnesses leave. Skid marks fade. The photos you take in those first minutes become the permanent record: provided you follow the rules for documenting evidence that holds up. Insurance companies and courts rely on them: sometimes years later.
Your 10-Minute Checklist
📸
Overall scene: full intersection from multiple angles, both vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs
🚗
Vehicle positions: where each car ended up relative to lane markings
💥
All damage: every dent, scratch, crack on ALL vehicles, close and wide
⏸️
Skid marks and debris: tells the story of what happened before impact
🚦
Traffic signs and signals: stop signs, speed limits, yield signs
🌧️
Road conditions: wet, icy, potholes, construction, visibility
🤕
Visible injuries: to yourself or passengers (with consent)
🪪
License plates: all vehicles involved
📄
Other driver's documents: insurance card, license (photograph them)
🌤️
Weather and lighting: capture conditions as they are
Why Regular Photos Aren't Enough
The other driver's insurance will challenge everything. "How do we know these were taken at the scene?" "Metadata could have been changed." "Could be from a different incident." Photos with an independent timestamp, the location recorded by your phone and a fingerprint anyone can check help answer these questions.
SP-2026-0215-B4E9
40.7589° N, 73.9851° W
5th Ave & 42nd St, New York
Common Mistakes After an Accident
⚠Only photographing your own car: document everything
⚠Moving your vehicle before documenting: photograph positions first if safe
⚠Not capturing the wider scene: context determines fault
⚠Waiting until you get home: do it at the scene
⚠Relying on dashcam alone: one angle isn't enough
