Post-Accident Evidence Checklist

The strength of a personal injury claim often comes down to the evidence gathered in the days and weeks after an accident. Tick items as you go – your progress saves automatically on this device.

Choose your accident type to see the steps that matter most.

The Full Checklist, Explained

Prefer to read it all in one place? Here is everything the interactive checklist above covers, and why each step matters to a Queensland injury claim.

Immediately at the scene

• Make sure everyone is safe and call 000 if needed. Get out of danger first, then check yourself and others for injuries before doing anything else.
• Report a motor vehicle accident to the police. For injury claims this is a legal requirement under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld). Ask for the police report or event number.
• Record the at-fault vehicle’s registration, make and model. Without the at-fault vehicle’s number plate you may be unable to bring an injury claim later.
• Report a work injury to your employer, in writing. Notify your employer or supervisor in writing as soon as possible and keep a dated copy. WorkCover has a 6-month notice period.
• Ask the venue or business for a written incident report. A written incident report completed by the venue is often key evidence in a public liability claim. Ask for a copy.
• Photograph what caused the injury. Spilled liquid, broken step, faulty equipment, missing signage, before it’s cleaned up or repaired.
• Photograph the wider scene. Your position, vehicles, surroundings, lighting and weather. Take wide shots and close-ups.
• Get names and contact details of any witnesses. Anyone who saw what happened. A name and phone number is enough.
• Note the other party’s details. For an MVA: the other driver’s licence, rego and insurer. For a venue: the business name and the staff member you dealt with.

Medical evidence

• See a doctor as soon as possible. Even if symptoms seem minor. Early records link the injury to the accident.
• Tell the doctor exactly how the injury happened. So the cause is recorded in your clinical notes from day one, this becomes evidence later.
• Keep all medical & treatment records. GP, hospital, physio, specialist, psychology, scans and imaging reports.
• Keep a record of every appointment. Dates, providers and what was done.

Document your losses

• Keep all receipts & invoices. Medications, treatment, travel to appointments, equipment, aids and home help.
• Record time off work. Dates you couldn’t work or worked reduced hours; payslips from before and after the injury.
• Start a symptom & impact diary. Daily notes on pain, sleep, mood, and activities you can no longer do.
• Note help others gave you. Who helped with chores, care or driving, and roughly how many hours, this can be claimable.

Preserve the proof

• Back up all photos and files. Save copies to the cloud and a second device so nothing is lost.
• Secure any dashcam or CCTV footage early. Footage is often overwritten within days. Save your own dashcam, and ask the venue or council to preserve CCTV in writing.
• Keep damaged items & clothing. Don’t throw away a damaged helmet, shoe or equipment, they can be evidence.
• Save all related messages. Texts, emails or letters from the other party, your employer, the venue, or any insurer.
• Write down your own account while it’s fresh. A dated, detailed description of exactly what happened, in your own words.

Before you talk to an insurer

• Get legal advice before giving a statement. Insurers may record you. A solicitor can protect your position first.
• Don’t accept an early settlement offer. Early offers are often well below true entitlements, especially future losses.
• Check your time limits. Qld notice periods can be short, e.g. WorkCover 6 months, and MVA/public claims as little as 1 month from instructing a solicitor.