One of the best things you can do after a vehicle accident is gather evidence at the scene. Hopefully you’re not reading this because the accident is over and you’re wondering what you should have done, but because if it ever happens you want to be prepared. We’ll cover what post-accident photos you should take and how to take them.
Why Post-Accident Photos are So Important
This is one situation where pictures are worth more than a thousand words, they could be worth thousands of dollars. A photo is irrefutable evidence that can go a long way toward proving the other driver was at fault and the extent of the damages you incurred.
Soon after a car accident, local officials have to clear the roadway to keep anyone else from getting hurt. They’ll sweep away glass and tow wrecked vehicles. Car parts that came off in the crash will have to be removed. They also might cart off road debris that could have contributed to the accident. If there was bad weather or wet road conditions, it will blow over and dry up.
Photos taken right after the accident preserve that evidence. They might reveal details you forgot, or ones you never noticed in the first place because you were understandably rattled by an extremely stressful situation.
What Post-Accident Photos to Take
Bookmark this article now so if the worst happens you don’t have to try and remember what to do. Plus, if you’re injured and unable to take photos, you can forward this article to a friend. After an accident, get images of the following:
⦁ Your vehicle and damage it incurred
⦁ Other vehicles involved, with close-ups of their damage
⦁ Skid marks
⦁ Car parts and shattered glass in the roadway
⦁ Road signs and traffic signals
⦁ Landmarks close to the accident
⦁ Surrounding businesses (they might have security cameras)
⦁ Your injuries
⦁ Witnesses, the other driver, and responding officers
Tips for Taking Good Photos
Take photos from a variety of angles. If you’re photographing vehicles, get shots from 15 or 20 feet away that take in the vehicle and the background. Then take close-ups that show damage in detail.
Use your flash if lighting isn’t good. Your phone also might have settings for low-light situations. If you are able, take video as well. Later, video might provide evidence for photos you might have forgotten to take, put things in context, and provide audio.
Chronicling Your Injury and Recovery
Photograph your injuries at the scene, once you leave the hospital or doctor’s office, and at least every few days as you recover. Sometimes people think of wound photos as gruesome, and they don’t want evidence that shows them not at their best. However, when you take photos of your injury, you have a picture to substantiate how painful it was and how long you spent suffering from your injury.
Our Attorneys Help Gather Evidence
Our experienced car accident attorneys excel at gathering evidence and helping victims receive the compensation they deserve. If you were injured in a car wreck, schedule a free consultation today.
