Collecting Evidence After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre & Luzerne County Guide)

Being involved in a car accident—whether a minor fender-bender or a severe collision—can be overwhelming. But the steps you take immediately after the crash can dramatically impact the strength of your injury claim. In fact, the quality of your evidence often determines whether you receive fair compensation.

At Sklarosky Law, we help accident victims throughout Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Hazleton, Pittston, Plains Township, and all of Northeastern Pennsylvania build strong, well-documented claims. Here are the key steps you should take right away.

1. Call 911 Immediately

No matter how minor the crash appears, always call 911.

Why this matters:

Creates an official record
A police crash report documents the incident, identifies the drivers, and becomes critical evidence for your insurance claim.

Preserves the scene
Police secure the roadway, identify hazards, and document conditions such as debris or weather.

Collects evidence
Officers gather witness statements, inspect vehicle damage, and note contributing factors.

Ensures cooperation
If the other driver refuses to share information, police can compel them to provide license and insurance details.

Police reports from departments in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, or the Pennsylvania State Police carry significant weight in injury claims.

2. Take Photos and Videos at the Scene

If you're physically able, use your phone to capture the scene before anything is moved.

Key things to photograph:

Vehicle damage
Take photos from different angles showing dents, crushed areas, deployed airbags, and any fluid leaks.

The accident scene
Document skid marks, debris, broken glass, vehicle positions, traffic signals, stop signs, and road conditions. These details can help reconstruct how the crash happened.

Your injuries
Photograph cuts, bruises, swelling, lacerations, casts, or bandages immediately — and continue taking new photos over the next several days.

Surroundings
Capture wide shots of the intersection or roadway, including weather and lighting conditions.

👉 Pro Tip: There is no such thing as too many photos. The more evidence you preserve, the harder it is for an insurance company to dispute your claim.

3. Speak to Witnesses

Witnesses can be invaluable in proving what actually happened.

• Ask people nearby what they saw
• Get their name, phone number, and address
• Ask for permission to record a short statement
• Even brief comments like “the other driver ran the red light” or “they were speeding” can significantly strengthen your case

Witness credibility often carries great weight with insurance companies and in Luzerne County courts.

Why Evidence Matters in a Car Accident Claim

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by arguing:

• Your injuries are not serious
• Your injuries were pre-existing
• You were partially or fully at fault
• There is insufficient proof of what happened

Strong evidence — photos, witness statements, medical records, and police reports — helps counter these arguments and builds a solid foundation for your claim.

Injured in a Car Accident in Luzerne County? Contact Sklarosky Law.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Pittston, Hazleton, Plains Township, Nanticoke, or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you don't have to deal with the insurance company alone. The sooner you collect evidence and speak with an experienced attorney, the stronger your case will be.

At Sklarosky Law, we fight to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

📞 Call us today at (570) 283-1200 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.