Where this comes from
You can check the original sources
We checked these original sources on August 25, 2026. Each link opens the source so you can read it for yourself.
Original links
Sources and what they explain
- Where it applies
- All U.S. states and territories
- What it helps explain
- Links to the workers' compensation office for each state and territory.
- Date checked
- Live federal directory; retrieved August 25, 2026
- Where it applies
- United States and state traffic-record systems
- What it helps explain
- Explains state crash, driver, vehicle, roadway and injury record systems.
- Date checked
- Live federal program page; retrieved August 25, 2026
- Where it applies
- United States; HIPAA-covered records
- What it helps explain
- Explains access to copies of many medical and billing records.
- Date checked
- Live federal guidance; retrieved August 25, 2026
Make three connected folders
Use one folder for the traffic crash, one for the employer and vehicle, and one for medical and workers’ compensation records. Link them with one dated timeline, but do not mix the original files.
Preserve the traffic and vehicle record
Save the crash report, scene images, witness details, vehicle ownership, commercial or personal policy, inspection and maintenance records, towing record, dash-camera location and claim notices. State traffic systems hold related crash and vehicle data.2
Preserve the work record
Save:
- employer incident report;
- shift, time and payroll records;
- route, dispatch, delivery or work order;
- vehicle assignment and permission to drive;
- names of supervisors, coworkers and other companies involved;
- every workers’ compensation notice.
Workers’ compensation is run through state systems. The U.S. Department of Labor links to each responsible state office.1
Build the medical timeline from records
List the first response, every visit, work restriction and change in symptoms. Request records when you can instead of guessing at clinical language. Federal guidance describes access to many covered records.3
This page cannot decide which claim system applies, whether a third party is responsible, or which state’s law controls.
A quick reality check
What this page can and cannot tell you
This page cannot decide fault, medical cause, insurance coverage, legal deadlines, case value or whether you have a claim. Those questions depend on the full facts, records, state law and a licensed attorney's review.
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Where this comes from
Workers' compensation is state based. Federal labor pages link to the responsible state offices, while the crash record comes from the reporting agency.
- 1
State workers' compensation officials
Links to the workers' compensation office for each state and territory.
U.S. Department of Labor - 2
Traffic records
Explains state crash, driver, vehicle, roadway and injury record systems.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - 3
Your medical records
Explains access to copies of many medical and billing records.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Last updated
August 25, 2026
Added a checklist that keeps the crash, employer and workers' compensation papers connected.