Setareh Law
January 20, 2026
The moments following an accident can determine whether you receive fair compensation or face an uphill battle proving your claim. Physical evidence degrades rapidly, memories fade, and crucial details disappear with each passing day. Acting quickly to preserve evidence may mean the difference between a successful claim and a frustrating denial from insurance companies looking to minimize their payouts.
After an accident, securing proper legal representation can help protect your rights and ensure critical evidence is preserved before it’s lost forever. At Setareh Law, we understand the importance of immediate action and guide accident victims through the evidence collection process to build the strongest possible case. Our team has recovered over $250 million for injured clients throughout California by helping them preserve the proof they need to hold negligent parties accountable.
Why Evidence Preservation Matters in Personal Injury Cases
Insurance companies rarely accept claims at face value. They investigate accidents thoroughly, looking for any reason to reduce settlement amounts or deny liability altogether. Without solid evidence documenting what happened and the extent of your injuries, you’re left relying on verbal accounts that insurance adjusters can easily dismiss or dispute.
Strong evidence establishes fault by:
- Showing how the accident occurred and who was responsible
- Documenting the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life
- Proving financial losses you’ve suffered, from medical bills to lost wages
In car accident cases, for example, clear evidence can prevent insurance companies from claiming you were partially at fault or that your injuries were pre-existing.
California’s pure comparative negligence law means your compensation decreases proportionally if you’re found partly responsible for the accident. Comprehensive evidence helps minimize or eliminate any claims that you contributed to what happened, protecting the full value of your claim.
Document the Accident Scene Immediately
If you’re physically able, begin collecting evidence while still at the accident scene. Take photographs from multiple angles showing the overall scene, vehicle positions, property damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture traffic signs, weather conditions, and lighting that could have contributed to the accident. The more visual documentation you gather, the harder it becomes for others to dispute the facts.
Write down everything you remember while details remain fresh. Note the time, location, weather, and how the accident unfolded. Record the names and contact information of everyone involved, including witnesses who saw what happened. Get insurance information from other drivers, including their policy numbers and insurance company names. These witness statements often prove invaluable when building premises liability or motorcycle accident cases where liability may be contested.
If police respond to the scene, obtain the report number and the responding officer’s name and badge number. Police reports provide an official account of the accident and often include the officer’s assessment of fault based on their investigation.
Preserve Physical Evidence and Medical Documentation
Keep everything connected to the accident in a safe place. This includes damaged clothing, broken equipment, or any items involved in the incident. In truck accident cases, physical evidence like skid marks or vehicle damage patterns can help accident reconstruction experts determine exactly what happened.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and delayed treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t severe or weren’t caused by the accident. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend every appointment. Keep copies of:
- Medical records and diagnostic test results
- Treatment plans and doctor’s notes
- Prescription receipts and medication information
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation records
- Bills and invoices for all medical expenses
These documents establish a direct connection between the accident and your injuries, supporting your compensation claim for both current and future medical needs.
Contact Setareh Law for Comprehensive Legal Support
Building a strong personal injury case requires more than just collecting evidence — it demands understanding what matters most and how to present it effectively. Our attorneys bring 60 years of combined experience helping California accident victims preserve crucial evidence and secure maximum compensation. With over 400 five-star reviews, we’ve built our reputation on achieving results for clients through thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
From the moment you contact us, we take over the burden of evidence collection and case building while you focus on recovery. We investigate accidents thoroughly, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and preserve evidence before it disappears. Our team handles every case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
