The Importance of Taking Photographs After a Car Accident

While taking photographs may be the last thing on a car accident victim’s mind immediately after a collision, the reality is that photos taken at the scene of a car crash can provide powerful evidence for a subsequent legal claim. Organizing and presenting this evidence to support a claim of negligence can, however, be a complicated endeavor, so if you have questions about how your own photographs can be used in negotiations with your insurer, or in litigation with another driver, it is important to contact an experienced Halifax County car accident lawyer who can advise you.

Photographs as Evidence

Once a car accident victim has obtained the assistance of emergency responders, he or she should strongly consider taking photographs of the scene of the accident, including:

• Photographs of the entire accident scene, using wide shots and a variety of angles;
• Photos of the vehicles involved in the crash, including close-up images of damage from different angles, photos of the points of collision, and images of the vehicles’ license plates;
• Photos of any debris that may have fallen off of the vehicles during the collision, as well as any shattered glass or vehicle parts near the point of collision;
• Important location factors, such as traffic indicators like lights and signs, which can help demonstrate who was at fault for the crash;
• Photographs showing the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident;
• Photographs of surrounding businesses, which could have security camera footage of the crash;
• Skid marks, including the length and width of the marks from both close and long range; and
• Photographs of the injuries suffered by the parties.

The information provided by these kinds of photographs can play a key role in helping demonstrate that someone else’s negligence was the cause of a crash and can also help prove the severity of property damage and injuries resulting from the collision. Photographic evidence is difficult to dispute and can make all the difference when it comes to negotiating a settlement or litigating a case in court.

Tips for Taking Accident Scene Photographs

Most of us carry cell phones, whether for business or personal use. Fortunately, the majority of cell phones now have cameras, meaning that accident victims who are not severely injured are uniquely placed to begin creating a record of their collision immediately after the crash. There are a few strategies, however, that can help drivers take clearer, more accurate photos. For instance, motorists are encouraged to take photos from a number of angles and distances. Close-up pictures, for example, should be taken from a distance of one to five feet, while medium distance photos can be taken from up to 15 feet away. Long distance photos, on the other hand, which can be used to help give a wider view of the accident and nearby surroundings, should be taken from at least 20 feet away. Accident victims should also consider keeping a common landmark in each photo to help demonstrate the scale of the crash.

Reach Out to an Experienced Halifax County Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident and took photographs afterwards, the evidence you collected could play an important role in helping you recover compensation for related medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. To learn more about how to use this evidence to build your own case, please call experienced Halifax County car accident attorney Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. today. You can reach a member of our dedicated legal team by calling our office at 434-969-4873 or by sending us an online message.