Being in an automobile accident can be chaotic, frightening, and overwhelming. It is important to first check your condition and the condition of others involved, contact the police, and get medical attention if needed. However, there are also other steps that you should take that could provide evidence, speed up insurance claims, and help you if your case goes to court. Accident scene photos can provide important details that you may not remember later and can also document information about your car wreck. Photos are especially important if you intend to seek compensation. Without clear photos any personal injury claims can be refuted and you may not be able to prove what happened in your motor vehicle accident.
Why Take Accident Photos?
In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to remember everything, especially to take photos. However, these photos can be critical in showing important details such as the cause of the accident, if there were contributing factors, and the extent of the damages that were incurred. They are also important because they can help substantiate any insurance claims by proving the extent of injuries, damages, and which driver was at fault. Photos can also help you remember key details and facts of your case that may be forgotten.
What Needs To Be Photographed?
What you photograph is crucial to building a good insurance claim or lawsuit. It is important to get as many photos as possible at the scene and the photos should include a time and date stamp. Taking the photos at different distances and angles can help build a better understanding of how the accident happened and help you document important evidence for your case. Beyond capturing the obvious damage to the vehicles, it is important to also capture the entire scene which shows vehicle positioning, traffic signals or signs, skid marks, road conditions, injuries, and who is present on the scene.
Make sure you take as many pictures as you can of any witnesses, police officers, the other driver, and the other car including the make, model, and license plate. Taking a picture of important documents like the police report, the other person’s driver’s license, registration, and insurance card can help you keep track of these details. Any passengers should also be photographed for your records.
Taking pictures of the surrounding businesses can help remind you to contact them to see if they might have cameras that show the accident. This can help determine the cause and expedite your case.
What Can You Do If You Are Unable To Take Pictures?
Sometimes it may not be safe to take photos at the scene of the accident, especially if the crash occurred on a busy highway or interstate. Police may also not allow you to walk around freely, for their safety and yours. Remaining safe should be your number one priority.
If you are unable to get pictures because of an injury you might be able to get a fellow passenger, or even an impartial witness to take some photos. You can also contact close friends or family members to go out to the scene of the accident as soon as possible. While many of the details may be cleaned up by the time they arrive, there still could be evidence that may help your case. They can record things like street signage, skid marks, and businesses surrounding your accident location. They can also get photos of the damage to your vehicle and of your injuries. Your lawyer may also be able to help by visiting the scene and gathering evidence for your case so you can get the compensation that you deserve.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been the victim of an automobile accident as a result of somebody else’s carelessness or negligence, it is important to contact an experienced attorney to represent you. At Grabb and Durando, we know how to deal with insurance companies after a car accident. We will help you get compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other damages that you have experienced as a result of your accident.
Contact us today for more information. We are committed to providing quality legal services in Tucson.
