After a crash or sudden malfunction, the first steps can make or break your ability to prove a defect later. Before you speak to adjusters in a recorded statement, consider doing the following:
- Get medical help immediately (even if injuries seem minor at first). Delayed symptoms are common.
- Preserve the vehicle condition: take photos of warning lights, damaged components, and the area where the malfunction occurred.
- Ask for the diagnostic report from the repair shop—especially if the vehicle recorded codes or stored fault data.
- Keep receipts and paper trails: towing invoices, rental/transportation costs, repair invoices, and any parts documentation.
- Request preservation of the removed part(s) if they were replaced.
In Washington, evidence can disappear fast once a car is repaired or parts are discarded. Acting early helps prevent the “we can’t verify that anymore” defense.


