HOW TO TAKE PHOTOS AFTER A VEHICLE ACCIDENT
“A picture is worth a thousand words” is a common statement, which sums up the importance of car accident photos. Sharing a verbal description of an accident scene is certainly not as convincing as showing photos taken at a car crash scene immediately following an accident. Many accident victims do not remember to take pictures of the car accident scene. Many accident victims might not know how to take car accident photos. High quality accident photos are important pieces of evidence that a car accident attorney can use in an auto accident case. Photos following a car accident do not have to be professional or perfect. Most cell phones take quality pictures and are a convenient tool for taking pictures at a car crash scene.
WHY TAKE CAR CRASH PHOTOS?
According to Nolo.com, taking photographs of the scene and other details surrounding the crash is a great way to preserve evidence. This evidence can be used for accident reconstruction or showing the vehicle damage following a car crash. Photos capture valuable information such as property damage, vehicle damage, traffic sign location, and street conditions that may be evidence in an auto accident case. An auto accident attorney may use car accident photos to show proof of what caused an accident, determine other factors that contributed to the crash, and evaluate the damages caused by the accident.
Knowing how to take photos after a car accident is critical, because the photos of the auto accident may be considered evidence. Quality and compelling car accident photos can be the backbone of a successful auto accident claim! Photos of the accident are also a tool for refreshing the accident victim’s memory.
TIPS FOR TAKING AUTO ACCIDENT PHOTOS
When taking photographs, any camera will work, including a phone camera. The more pictures taken, the better, especially if it is not obvious what details are important to document. Pictures offer more weight as evidence with a date or timestamp included. All phones automatically include the date and time of every captured picture. Below are general tips for taking auto accident photos.
- When photographing smaller items, place a reference item, like a coin or pen, next to the item of interest to help communicate size and scale.
- Prioritize taking pictures of the entire accident scene. Zoom out on pictures to include all essential visual elements in one picture. Also take pictures of the scene from various angles.
- Photograph all of the vehicles involved in an accident from various angles, including each damaged vehicle’s license plate. Do not forget to take pictures of each damaged vehicle’s interior. These pictures should display any deployed airbags, shattered glass, blood stains, or debris.
- Take pictures of any surrounding damage or other evidence at the accident scene. These photos could include damage to surrounding properties, skid marks, and damaged trees or signs.
- If the accident caused injuries, photograph the victims, including close-up shots of the injuries.
- Dedicate time to capture the accident site and surrounding environment. These pictures include street signs, stop signs, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road conditions.
- According to Nolo.com, including a common landmark in each of the photographs can help demonstrate distance, location, and scale.
WHAT IF I CANNOT TAKE PICTURES AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE BECAUSE I’M INJURED?
In cases where injuries restrict the car accident victim from taking pictures, the best option is to call upon a family member or friend to snap pictures as soon as possible. Taking pictures at the accident scene is always the preferable option. If photos cannot be taken at the scene of the accident, photograph injuries, vehicle damages, and skid marks afterwards.
CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Remember the list above because knowing the tips for taking photos after a car accident is important. Knowledge of how to take photos after a car accident, will increase the chances of a successful auto accident claim! These photos can be valuable evidence to bolster a case.
Maximize the chances of a successful personal injury claim by partnering with Rand Spear and his law firm, Spear Greenfield. We will always represent our clients’ best interests and fight for maximum compensation! In our over 30 years in business, we have successfully worked with countless auto accident cases. Don’t wait, call us now for a free consultation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
