# What evidence should I save after an injury? Canonical: https://californiapersonalinjurylaws.com/guides/save-evidence/ Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin; publisher reported approval on 2026-11-04. Original review date was not supplied. ## Short answer Save proof of what happened, what harm followed, and what it cost. Keep the original records when you can. ## Hypothetical example Photos show a broken stair before it is fixed. Pay records show shifts missed while a person heals. ## How the rule works Proof is useful when it connects to a disputed fact. A repair photo may show a hazard. A receipt may show a cost. Keeping dates and context helps explain what each item shows. ## What can change the answer Do not risk your safety or trespass to get proof. Do not edit the originals. Keep copies in a safe place. ## A useful next step Save photos, witness names, bills, pay records, and messages. Keep damaged items if practical. ## Should I give photos or video to the police or my lawyer? Keep the original files and safe copies. Ask what records are needed and how to send them. Do not edit originals or put yourself in danger to gather more proof. ## Court decisions behind this answer ### Cedars-Sinai Medical Center v. Superior Court (1998) 18 Cal.4th 1, pp. 8–13. The court discussed evidence rules and case sanctions as responses to lost evidence in the setting before it. Limit: It did not create a separate tort claim for that first-party evidence loss. Other facts and rules may differ. Source: https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/4th/18/1.html ## Sources - [CACI No. 400–401 — Negligence and the standard of care (2026 edition)](https://courts.ca.gov/system/files/file/judicial_council_of_california_civil_jury_instructions_2026.pdf) - [California Courts — Civil lawsuits](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit) - [Cedars-Sinai Medical Center v. Superior Court (1998) 18 Cal.4th 1](https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/4th/18/1.html) General information, not legal advice.