Utah Personal Injury Evidence Checklist: What to Collect and When It Disappears
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: A Utah injury claim is only as strong as its documentation. Collect photos and video of the scene and injuries, the police or accident report, medical records and bills, proof of lost income, witness contact information, insurance information for everyone involved, and the physical evidence (vehicle, damaged equipment, clothing). Some evidence disappears quickly: business video is often overwritten, and federally regulated truck carriers must keep driver duty-status records only six months. Send preservation requests early.
Who this guide is for
Anyone injured in Utah in a car crash, fall, dog attack, workplace accident, or other incident who wants a practical list of what to gather — and the timing that matters.
The checklist
At the scene (if you're able)
- Call 911 and get medical attention. See What to Do After a Car Accident in Utah.
- Photos and video: vehicles, positions, damage, skid marks, debris, road conditions, signs, lighting, the hazard that caused a fall, injuries.
- Names, phone numbers, and insurance details of other drivers, owners, and witnesses; license plate numbers; company names for commercial vehicles.
- The officer's name and report number.
- Don't admit fault or guess about what happened.
In the first days
- Medical care and records: ER, urgent care, primary care, specialists, imaging, therapy. Tell every provider the injury's cause.
- The crash report. Utah law generally bars accident reports from use as trial evidence, but the report and its accompanying data (witness information, photos, body-camera video) can lead you to admissible evidence. See How to Request a Utah Accident Report.
- Your insurance claim: report to your own insurer; PIP applies regardless of fault. See Utah's PIP Coverage Explained.
- A symptom journal: daily pain, limitations, missed activities.
- Written preservation requests (through your attorney if possible) to anyone who may hold video, data, or physical evidence.
In the following weeks
- Medical bills and EOBs — keep every bill, statement, and explanation of benefits.
- Wage proof: pay stubs, employer letter, tax returns for self-employed workers, records of missed work.
- Out-of-pocket costs: prescriptions, mileage, equipment, childcare.
- Property damage: estimates, photos, repair bills, rental receipts.
- Communications: save texts, emails, and letters from insurers; note the date and content of calls.
- Social media: avoid posting about the accident or your activities; insurers may look.
Evidence that disappears
| Evidence | Why it's time-sensitive |
|---|---|
| Business and traffic camera video | Often overwritten in days or weeks |
| Vehicle event data (black box) | Can be overwritten, and vehicles get repaired or sold |
| Truck driver logs and ELD data | Motor carriers must retain duty-status records at least six months under 49 CFR § 395.8(k) |
| Physical evidence (the defective product, tire, rail, shoe) | Can be thrown away, repaired, or altered |
| Witness memory | Fades; contact witnesses early |
| Scene conditions (ice, spill, broken step) | Repaired or changed |
| Medical history | Gaps in treatment get used against you |
See Utah Commercial Truck Accident Claims and Utah Defective Product Claims: Evidence for specific cases.
Insurance Department guidance
The Utah Insurance Department publishes consumer guidance on what to do after an accident and how third-party claims work. See Utah's Third-Party Auto Insurance Claim Process.
What not to do
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other side's insurer without understanding your rights. See Should You Give a Recorded Statement to the Adjuster?.
- Don't sign a release or cash a settlement check before you understand the terms. See Utah Injury Settlement Offers and Releases.
- Don't repair or sell the vehicle or discard the product before evidence is documented.
- Don't skip treatment or stop following medical advice.
For special claims
- Government entities: a notice of claim within one year. See How to File a Notice of Claim Against a Utah Government Entity.
- Medical malpractice: records requests and expert review. See Utah Medical Malpractice Basics.
- Workplace injuries: report to your employer promptly. See How to File a Utah Workers' Compensation Claim.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important evidence?
Prompt medical records and accurate documentation of the cause, plus preservation of perishable evidence like video.
How long should I keep records?
Keep everything at least until your claim is fully resolved and any appeals or liens are cleared.
Should I take photos of my injuries?
Yes, over time, as bruising and swelling change.
Can I get the other driver's insurance information?
Drivers involved in an accident must provide identifying information; see the crash-report guide, and ask for insurance details.