If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Queensland, it may assist to keep records and documents relating to the accident, your injuries, medical treatment, and any communications about the matter.
The following information provides a general overview of documents and information that may be relevant following a motor vehicle accident.
Photographs From the Accident Scene
If it is safe to do so, photographs taken at or near the accident scene may assist in recording what occurred.
Photographs may include:
- damage to the vehicles involved;
- vehicle registration numbers;
- the position of vehicles after the accident;
- road conditions;
- traffic lights, signs, or intersections;
- visible hazards or obstructions; and
- any visible injuries.
Photographs should only be taken where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Driver and Vehicle Details
It may assist to record details of the drivers and vehicles involved in the accident.
This may include:
- the name and contact details of each driver;
- vehicle registration numbers;
- driver licence details;
- insurance details, where available; and
- the make, model, and colour of the vehicles involved.
Witness Details
If there are witnesses to the accident, it may assist to record their names and contact details.
Witness information may become relevant if there are later questions about how the accident occurred.
Police Report Information
In some circumstances, a motor vehicle accident may need to be reported to police.
If a police report is made, it may assist to keep any reference number or report details provided.
Medical Records and Treatment Information
Medical assessment and treatment records may be relevant following a motor vehicle accident.
It may assist to keep:
- hospital records;
- general practitioner records;
- specialist reports;
- imaging or scan results;
- treatment referrals;
- medication records; and
- rehabilitation or physiotherapy records.
Medical records may assist in documenting symptoms, treatment, and the progression of any injuries following the accident.
Expenses and Other Documents
It may also assist to keep documents relating to expenses or losses connected with the accident.
These may include:
- medical invoices;
- pharmacy receipts;
- travel expenses for treatment;
- repair or towing documents;
- correspondence from insurers;
- employment documents; and
- records of time away from work.
Communications With Insurers
If you receive letters, emails, forms, or other communications from an insurer, it may assist to keep copies of those documents.
It is also useful to keep a record of the dates of any telephone conversations and the name of the person spoken to, where possible.
Learn more about motor accident claims
Photographs may assist in recording vehicle damage, road conditions, registration details, and other information relevant to the accident, where it is safe and appropriate to take them.
Medical records may assist in documenting symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the progression of injuries following a motor vehicle accident.
It may assist to keep copies of letters, emails, forms, and other documents received from insurers or other parties following the accident.
Different circumstances may apply depending on the accident and the information available. Documents, medical records, photographs taken later, and other records may still be relevant.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.