Preserve the original digital files exactly as they came from your camera or phone. Do not delete them. Create a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage and make backups. Within the folder, you can create subfolders by category (e.g., “Scene,“ “Injury,“ “Property Damage”). A simple text document noting the date, time, location, and a brief description of what each photo shows will help you stay organized when you need to present the evidence later.

Consult a lawyer immediately if there are serious injuries, significant property damage, a disputed fault, or if you are contacted by a lawyer representing another party. Early legal advice can protect your rights, ensure proper evidence preservation, and guide you through interactions with insurers. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to assess your situation.

The biggest mistake is not taking any. Others include failing to capture scale or context (use a common object for reference), only taking close-ups without wide shots, or editing/filtering the images, which can destroy their credibility. Never delete photos or videos, even if they seem unhelpful; your opponent’s attorney could use this to suggest you are hiding evidence. Always preserve the original, unaltered files with their original timestamps and data.