What Info Should I Give A Lawyer For A Car Accident? (2026)

Insurance Information

One of the most important pieces of information you can give your lawyer is a copy of your insurance policy. This can help them understand what type of legal actions you may be entitled to pursue.

It’s vital in all states, but it’s particularly important in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which both have “choice” no-fault laws. Having limited tort or full tort insurance in these states can be significant when it comes to non-economic damages.

If you don’t have a copy of the insurance policy, your lawyer can get one as long as you give them your permission to do so.

Information Police Officers Collected at the Scene

During auto accidents that cause injuries or property damage, you’re required to call the police. When the officer gets to the scene, they will write a report about the accident, and that can provide numerous pieces of information. Often, the reports have diagrams that display where the vehicles were, which is helpful when investigating liability.

The police report also offers insight into whether there were witnesses or not. If there were witnesses, the report may contain their contact information, which allows your attorney to follow up and get their testimonies.

Other Party’s Information

Unless you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, you likely exchanged information with the other party at the scene of the accident. Even if you have already spoken with the other party, give all of this information to your lawyer so that they can reach out to the relevant insurance companies.

Photographs and Videos

If you’re well enough to remain on the scene after the accident, it’s important to take pictures and videos of the vehicles, the site of the collision and anything else that can show how the crash occurred. Auto lawyers need these to determine what really happened and to use them as evidence when dealing with insurers.

If you were not able to take pictures, but you know the insurance company has some that show the damage that occurred to your vehicle, let your lawyer know. They can contact the insurer for help.

Medical Records and Bills

To be able to file a personal injury claim, you will need to show that you suffered injuries because of the other party’s conduct. Your lawyer will need to get copies of your medical records so they can see the losses you sustained as well as how long the recovery process will take. All of this is significant for calculating damages.

If you don’t have the records or you’re too incapacitated because of the accident to get them, you can give your car accident lawyer written permission to get them for you.

Medical bills are also important for your personal injury claim. These show the exact monetary losses you have suffered. They also provide insight into what future care may cost if you need to receive ongoing medical assistance.

Information on Property Loss

If your car was damaged in any way and you need to get it repaired or replaced, your lawyer needs to see all of the information related to these expenses, including mechanic quotes or bills.

You may also have suffered other types of property loss, including electronics and other items that might have been in the car with you. If that’s the case, provide a list of them to your lawyer.

Employment Records

If your injuries prevented you from going to work, you can claim lost income that you would have otherwise received. Provide your lawyer with information on your usual income and the effects your injuries have had on your ability to work. These vital documents can allow your lawyer to accurately calculate how much you can ask for.

Pay stubs, contracts and anything else that shows how much you would have made at your job on days that you were unable to work can help your lawyer.

Speak With Experienced Car Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been in an accident that occurred because of another party’s conduct and you’ve chosen to file a personal injury claim, hiring experienced representation can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. You should never try to negotiate with insurers without legal counsel by your side.

At ConsumerShield, we know how vital hiring the right lawyer is. That is why we have carefully vetted the attorneys we can connect you with so that you can quickly receive the help you deserve. No matter where in the country you’re located, we can put you in contact with trusted representation. Fill out our online form to get started.