After an accident, you might be left wondering whether you have enough proof to make a claim. The truth is, even strong cases can fall apart without the right evidence. To succeed with a personal injury claim, you need to show who was responsible and how the injury has affected your life.
Photos, medical records and witness statements can all make a real difference to your personal injury claim. At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ll guide you through gathering the right evidence and offer clear advice every step of the way on a no win, no fee basis.
Why evidence matters in a personal injury claim
Every personal injury claim relies on evidence, because it proves two key things:
- Liability — Who caused the accident.
- Damages — How it’s affected your health, work and daily life.
In the UK, claims are decided on the balance of probabilities, meaning your version of events must be more likely than not.
The stronger your evidence, the easier it is for insurers to accept responsibility and offer fair compensation. Weak or missing details can delay your claim or reduce the amount you receive. These are some of the best pieces of evidence you can gather before making a claim:
Medical evidence
Medical evidence is at the heart of every personal injury claim. Your GP, hospital and A&E records show when and how your injuries were diagnosed and treated. These documents help link your condition directly to the accident, which is essential for proving your case.
If you haven’t already seen a doctor, do so as soon as possible. Delays can make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the incident. Your solicitor can also arrange an independent medical assessment. This is a specialist report written by an expert who examines you and explains the extent of your injuries, recovery time and long-term impact. Together, these records form the medical foundation of your claim.
Witness statements
Witness statements can be powerful pieces of personal injury claim evidence. Anyone who saw what happened, whether it’s a co-worker, bystander or another driver, can help confirm how your accident occurred. Try to gather their names, contact details and a brief description of what they saw as soon as possible, while memories are fresh.
Your solicitor can later turn these notes into formal signed statements, which carry more weight in negotiations or court. Even a short statement can make a big difference, helping to back up your version of events and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Photographs and video
Clear images often speak louder than words. Photos and videos of the accident scene, your visible injuries and any property damage can provide strong, visual proof of what happened. If possible, take date and time-stamped pictures from different angles, wide shots to show context and close-ups for detail.
If your accident was caught on CCTV or dashcam footage, act quickly. Many systems automatically delete recordings after a short period. Your solicitor can help you make a formal request for a copy. Together, these visual records can help show both how the incident happened and the extent of your injuries.
Official or incident reports
Official reports provide an independent record of what happened. For road traffic accidents, this could include a police report with key details like location, time and witness names. If you were injured at work, check that the incident has been recorded in your employer’s accident book and reported under RIDDOR.
In public places, councils or property owners may have their own incident report forms. These documents create a neutral, time-stamped record that helps confirm the facts of your case.
Financial and practical proof of loss
Not all evidence is about how the accident happened. Some of it shows how your injury has affected your life. This is known as financial and practical loss. Keep payslips to show lost earnings and receipts or invoices for treatment costs, travel expenses or equipment you’ve had to buy.
A simple diary can also be useful. Note how your injury affects daily activities, sleep or mobility. Even small details, such as petrol used for hospital visits or prescription charges, can add up over time.
Keeping a full record of these costs helps your solicitor calculate fair compensation for the real impact the accident has had on your life.
Expert and specialist evidence
Sometimes, a case needs independent experts to explain complex issues or resolve disputes. This is called expert evidence.
Medical specialists can assess your long-term recovery or any permanent effects. Accident reconstruction experts can analyse how an incident happened, while vocational experts assess your ability to work and potential loss of future earnings. Solicitors also use Ogden tables, which are the official guidelines for calculating future financial loss.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we arrange and pay for these expert reports on a no win, no fee basis, with costs usually recovered later from the insurer. It’s all part of building the strongest possible claim.
Gathering evidence for different types of accidents
Every claim is different, but the principles stay the same. Clear, consistent evidence helps prove what happened and how it’s affected you. Here’s what to collect depending on your accident type:
Road traffic accidents
In road traffic accidents, be sure to gather the police report, photos of vehicle damage, and any dashcam footage. Note witness details, and keep copies of insurance correspondence and medical records showing your injuries. These help establish who was at fault and support your compensation claim.
Workplace injuries
In a workplace accident, try to record the incident in your employer’s accident book and, where necessary, complete a RIDDOR report. Keep maintenance logs, photos of faulty equipment or unsafe areas, and evidence of personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
Public place slips or trips
In slip and trip claims, take photos of the uneven flooring or spillages, and collect CCTV or council inspection reports if available. Ask bystanders for witness statements and note the exact location and time.
Product liability
Be sure to keep the faulty product, along with any packaging and the receipt. Take photos or videos showing the defect, and save emails or letters with the retailer or manufacturer. These can help prove that the product was unsafe or defective.
What if you don’t have all the evidence?
Missing evidence doesn’t mean you can’t make a claim. Solicitors can often recover key documents like medical records, police reports or CCTV footage on your behalf. They can also help trace witnesses or use expert opinions to fill any gaps.
Remember, personal injury claims are decided on the balance of probabilities, not absolute proof. What matters most is showing that your version of events is more likely than not.
The sooner you contact Injury Lawyers 4u, the better. We can act quickly before vital evidence is lost or deleted.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we know how to gather and present the strongest evidence for your claim. We handle all correspondence with insurers, employers and experts, and arrange independent medical reports where needed. You’ll have clear updates and guidance at every stage.
We work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront, and there’s no financial risk to starting your claim. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u today for free, no-obligation advice. We’ll review your evidence and help you build the strongest possible case.
Personal injury claim evidence FAQs
What happens if I don’t have witnesses?
You can still make a claim. Other evidence like photos, accident reports or medical records, can prove what happened. Solicitors can also help identify potential witnesses or request CCTV footage if available.
Can I use CCTV footage as evidence?
CCTV or dashcam footage is powerful evidence. Request a copy quickly, before it’s overwritten. Your solicitor can make formal requests if needed.
Do I need to keep receipts for expenses?
Receipts, invoices and mileage records show how much money you’ve lost because of the injury. They can be included in your compensation claim.
How long do I have to gather evidence for a personal injury claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim. It’s best to gather evidence early while details are fresh.
Will a solicitor collect evidence for me?
Solicitors like Injury Lawyers 4u collect and organise your evidence, request hospital or police records, and work with experts to strengthen your case.