Witnesses and photographs: what actually counts as evidence

Almost everyone photographs the dent. Almost nobody photographs the three things that decide a disputed case — and the difference costs more than any single repair position.

The order that matters

First, the scene before anything moves: both vehicles in their final positions, from far enough back to show the lane, the markings, the signage and the direction of travel. This is the shot that is impossible to recreate and the one people skip because they are shaken.

Second, the relationship between the vehicles — where they came to rest relative to each other. Once both cars are on a recovery truck, this is the only evidence of the collision geometry that exists.

Third, the damage: wide, medium and close for every damaged area, on both vehicles. Include paint transfer, glass fragments, debris and any fluid on the road. These place the collision in space as reliably as a measurement.

Fourth, identification: plates, VIN, odometer with the ignition on, and the other party's documents and insurance certificate.

What destroys evidence

Washing the vehicle. Dirt patterns, transferred paint and abrasion marks are physical evidence, and they are gone after one car wash.

Starting a repair, or letting a workshop "tidy it up" before assessment. A replaced panel cannot be re-examined, and a straightened chassis cannot be measured in its damaged state.

Sending screenshots instead of the original photographs. A screenshot loses both resolution and the file information — the date, the time and often the location — which is what ties the picture to the event.

Witnesses

A witness is only a witness if you can reach them. Name, telephone number and, ideally, a photograph of them at the scene or a short voice recording of what they saw, with their agreement. Independent witnesses — people with no connection to either party — carry the most weight.

Passengers count too. They are treated as less independent, but their account is still part of the record and costs nothing to write down while it is fresh.

Look for cameras: shops, petrol stations, buildings, other vehicles' dashcams. Ask on the day; recordings are typically overwritten within a week.

Frequently asked questions

How many photographs is enough?

More than you think, and they cost nothing. Forty pictures is not excessive for a significant collision. What you cannot do is go back for the one you missed.

Does a dashcam recording help?

It can be decisive. Save the file immediately to a separate location — most dashcams overwrite in a loop, and the recording of the accident is often lost by simply continuing to drive.

Can you work from photographs taken by someone else?

Yes, though the coverage is usually less complete. Send whatever exists and we will tell you what it supports and what it does not — we will not describe damage the material does not actually show.