From every driver and vehicle owner, collect: full name, current address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance company name with policy number. For witnesses, get their name, phone number, and a brief note of what they saw. If police respond, get the officer’s name, badge number, and the police report number. Take clear photos of all documents, license plates, and the scene. Do not rely on verbal promises or social media details; get physical or digital proof.

Strong evidence is your most powerful tool. Collect and keep everything: photos of injuries and property damage, the official accident report, all medical records and bills, receipts for related expenses, and a diary documenting your pain and recovery. Proof of lost wages from your employer is also crucial. This documentation creates a clear, undeniable link between the incident and your financial losses, preventing the insurance company from downplaying your claim.

Property owners must keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors they invite or allow onto their property. This means actively looking for and fixing hazards like wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting. The specific duty owed depends on the visitor’s status. For example, a store owes the highest duty to a customer, while a trespasser is owed a much more limited duty to avoid intentional harm or extremely dangerous hidden traps.