What documents do I need to gather after an injury

Immediate documentation

Take photos of the injury, accident scene, property damage, and road conditions if relevant. Get names and contact information from everyone present. Photographs of visible injuries over time matter too, showing progression. Keep the clothes or equipment involved in the incident. Write down your memory of exactly what happened while it's fresh, including time, weather, and what you were doing.

Medical and financial records

Keep every medical bill, insurance explanation of benefits, prescription receipt, and therapy invoice. Collect records from all providers who treated you. Document lost wages with pay stubs before and after the injury. Track mileage and costs for medical appointments. Keep receipts for medical equipment, home modifications, or over-the-counter pain management.

Incident reports and communications

Obtain the official incident report from police, your employer, or property owner. Save all communications with insurance companies and the other party. Screenshot or print emails and text messages. Don't delete anything, even if it seems unhelpful. Your lawyer needs the complete picture, including your own statements and errors.