Car accidents could lead to severe injuries, car damage, losses, or death. When a motorist is involved in an accident, they are unlikely to think about taking photographs of the scene even if they are not severely injured. However, pictures can help determine the driver at fault and come in handy when pursuing compensation. Therefore, people involved in an accident should assess their condition, call the ambulance and the police, and take photos to capture essential details. Unfortunately, many people fail to take photographs because of the shock associated with an accident, while others do not understand the value of photo evidence. This article provides valuable tips on capturing helpful photos after an accident.
Take Pictures of Any Injuries
Anybody injured in an accident might not think about capturing the injuries. However, since photo evidence is quite powerful, it is important to consider taking photos after an accident to document the injuries. If a person is severely injured, other passengers who are not injured can help take photos of the injuries. Legal professionals always recommend taking photos immediately after the accident. However, since some bruises might not be visible immediately, the injured persons should take photos as soon as they appear.
Document Property Damage
People involved in an accident should take photos of any visible damage to the vehicle, roadway, traffic signs, or buildings. They should capture multiple shots from different angles to ensure the authorities can determine the driver responsible for the accident if necessary. It is also important to capture any debris, skid marks, or other signs that can help determine what caused the accident.
Take Photos of Nearby Traffic Signs
Some people wonder why they must capture traffic signs, but they can help the police, insurance companies, or legal teams determine how the accident happened. For example, a stop sign near the accident scene could mean that one of the drivers ignored the sign, leading to a collision. Vegetation near the traffic sign could also mean the drivers could not see the signs. The photographs could be helpful since the overgrowth shrubbery could be cut or trimmed shortly after the accident.
Capture Important Details
Some people may not remember important information after the accident, which explains why they should capture relevant information. For example, they should take photos of the license plate number, car make and model, insurance details, driver’s license, and registration details. These details can help authorities investigate the cause of the accident and the responsible party.
Ensure the Time Stamp Is Accurate
What would happen if the time stamp on the accident photos is incorrect? This could poke holes into the evidence presented when pursuing compensation. Therefore, people involved in an accident should ensure that their cameras or smartphones indicate the correct time. This prevents complicated issues that would otherwise arise if such photos were presented as evidence in a court of law.
Take Photos of the Other Driver, Police, and Witnesses
Since the person involved in an accident cannot remember all the people at the scene, their photos can help identify and find them if needed. If any party files a claim, the responsible attorney or the police could contact the witnesses, driver, or the police for more details.
After an accident, it is crucial to collect and preserve evidence to help identify the responsible party and file a successful compensation claim. These tips can help capture valuable photos that can come in when pursuing an insurance claim. Remember to store the photos safely and share them with a lawyer when needed.