Build a record for every car and driver
If the scene is safe, work vehicle by vehicle instead of relying on a single wide photo. The California Department of Insurance recommends collecting driver, passenger, witness, registration, plate, vehicle-identification and insurance details after an accident.
- Driver and vehicle-owner names when they differ
- License plate, make, model and visible vehicle damage
- Insurance card and registration information that was exchanged
- Passenger and witness contact details
- A note matching each person to the correct vehicle
Photograph the whole collision sequence
Start with wide views that establish lanes, direction of travel and final positions. Then document each impact area, debris field, signal, sign, lane marking and sight obstruction without stepping into moving traffic.
- Approach and departure views for each vehicle
- Every damaged side, not only your own car
- Skid marks, debris and fluid locations from a safe position
- Signal heads, signs and lane-use markings
- Original photo and video files backed up without edits
Match the San Jose report to the roadway
Save the incident card or agency name an officer provided. Use the San Jose report finder to distinguish a city-street investigation from a freeway investigation, then follow the investigating agency's official request page. Vehicle type alone does not identify the report custodian.
Check the DMV's separate SR-1 criteria even if an officer prepared a collision report or you opened an insurance claim.
- Exact street, cross street, freeway and direction of travel
- Investigating-agency name and incident or report reference
- Crash date and approximate time
- Separate folder for the agency report and DMV confirmation
Create a vehicle-cost file
Keep the property-damage process auditable by saving each request, estimate and decision. Do not combine documents for different cars or different claim numbers.
- Tow company, storage location and daily-charge notices
- Inspection appointments and repair estimates
- Rental or alternate-transportation receipts
- Insurer claim number, representative and communication log
- Photos taken before repairs and after completed work