Author: John Mattiacci | Owner Mattiacci Law
Published October 27, 2025
If you’ve just taken an unexpected tumble, like on a wet grocery store floor, a cracked sidewalk, or someone else’s icy driveway, you’re probably feeling shaken, sore, and a bit overwhelmed.
But before you brush it off (literally or figuratively!), it’s super important to gather the right evidence while the scene is still fresh.
Photos and videos can make a huge difference if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action down the road.
But what exactly should you be snapping?
In this guide, we’ll show you photographs and video evidence you should capture after a slip and fall accident. The more you document, the better you’ll be prepared for whatever comes next.
#1. The Exact Location Of The Fall
Right after the accident, try to get a few wide-angle shots of the area where it happened.
This helps paint the full picture for anyone looking at the scene later, like insurance agents or attorneys.
You want to show the layout like was there a puddle on the floor, an uneven surface, or maybe something sticking out that caused you to trip?
The more context, the better.
Even if you’re in pain and not thinking straight, try to step back and snap a few wide shots before you leave the scene. You might forget exactly how things looked once you’ve left the area, so it’s better to get it while it’s fresh.
Also Read: How Can I Prove Negligence In a Slip-and-Fall Case?
#2. The Hazard That Caused The Fall
Now, zoom in on the exact hazard that caused your fall.
Was it a spilled drink on the floor, a crack in the pavement, or maybe something like a loose rug?
Get a close-up shot. The idea is to clearly capture the thing that led to your slip. Don’t worry about making it look “pretty” for social media, as you just focus on showing what caused you to lose your balance.
Take multiple angles of the hazard if you can.
A photo from the side, from above, or from different perspectives can make it clearer when people are trying to understand what went wrong.
#3. Lighting And Visibility Issues
If the lighting in the area was poor or if you couldn’t see where you were stepping, this is important to document. Bad lighting can be a major factor in slip-and-fall accidents.
So take a few pictures of the surrounding lights or lack thereof.
If the area’s lighting is dim, or if there’s a light source that’s broken or obstructed (like a flickering bulb or a light covered by something), get that in your shots.
It’s amazing how many people forget to think about lighting, but it plays a huge role in a lot of slip-and-fall cases.
Also Read: What Should I Do After a Serious Slip and Fall Injury?
#4. Weather And Surrounding Conditions
Weather can have a massive impact on accidents like this.
Was it raining, snowing, or icy outside?
Document the weather conditions as much as you can. If you can, take photos of things like wet sidewalks, snow, or even foggy conditions.
It’s also a good idea to snap shots of your surroundings. Were there any signs indicating that the area was slippery, or that maintenance was needed?
Make sure to capture the general environment so that there’s no question about how the conditions contributed to your fall.
#5. Safety Warnings (Or Lack Of Them)
If the area where you slipped should have had warning signs or barricades, but didn’t, take a picture of that too.
For example, if you fell because there was water on the floor, and no “wet floor” sign was visible, that’s key evidence. Or if you were walking across a patch of ice and there were no signs warning you, that’s an important part of the story.
Even if you didn’t see any safety warnings, be sure to snap photos showing the absence of them.
If there should have been something to alert you or help you avoid the fall, that could work in your favor.
#6. Your Injuries And Personal Impact
This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial.
Right after the fall, photograph your injuries as soon as you – bruises, cuts, swelling, or anything else. Sometimes injuries don’t show up immediately, so take pictures throughout the day or over the next few days.
This helps establish the timeline of how the injury evolved.
Documenting your injuries also helps to show the physical impact the fall had on you.
Also Read: What Are Typical Slip and Fall Settlements With Surgery?
Don’t just take photos of the obvious injuries, also snap shots of any swelling, bruising, or scrapes that come up later.
Even minor injuries can add up, and the more evidence you have, the better.
#7. Video Of The Scene
If you’re able to, shoot a short video of the area where the fall occurred.
A quick clip can really show the environment in motion. For example, if there was a hazard, like water on the floor, a video might show how the spill looked in real-time.
This is helpful because video captures more details than a photo might.
A photo can’t really convey how wet or slippery the floor was, but a video might be able to.
If it’s safe to do so, a quick video walking across the area can show exactly how the hazard or environment contributed to your fall.
#8. Witnesses And Employee Response
Did anyone see the accident happen? Did employees or bystanders rush to help?
Try to get their contact information if you can, and snap a photo of any employees’ names or IDs.
This could be important if there’s a question about what happened or if anyone saw the accident.
Take pictures of anyone involved in the scene. For example, if an employee came over and apologized, or if a bystander offered help, try to capture that moment.
The more evidence you have of what others saw or did, the better your case might be down the road.
Also Read: Can You Sue for Injuries After Slipping on Snowy Sidewalks?
#9. Include Proof Of Timing
Timing matters too.
If you can, capture any proof of when the accident occurred.
A timestamp on a photo or video can help show exactly when the fall happened. If the place has security cameras, ask if they have footage.
If you’re documenting conditions (like weather), it’s also smart to get the time and date, so there’s no question when the incident took place.
In some cases, you might want to take screenshots from your phone that show the time or even photos of your phone’s lock screen showing the time of the fall.
Bottom Line
A slip and fall accident can be tough, but capturing the right evidence will go a long way in protecting yourself. The more detailed, clear, and thorough your photos and videos are, the easier it will be for others to understand what happened.
By documenting everything from the exact location of the fall to the conditions that led up to it, you’re not just telling your side of the story and you’re backing it up with hard evidence.
Keep it simple, take multiple shots, and don’t worry about getting everything perfect. Just make sure you have enough evidence to show the full picture.
Remember, these photos could make a big difference if you need them later on.