Tips for Taking Effective Car Accident Scene Photos
If you are ever a victim of a car accident, taking photographs of the scene can be very effective evidence in your personal injury claim. In fact, well-taken photographs can make the difference between a strong case and a weak one.
Photographs not only provide clear and obvious evidence of what occurred, but also reveal subtle details that may have been overlooked by police and witnesses. They can be used to reconstruct the accident scene and convince the insurance company of your side of the story.
In most personal injury cases, there are several theories of liability. However, well-taken photographs can eliminate doubt and assign liability forcing insurance companies to settle your claim.
The following are some tips when taking photographs of a car accident scene:
- Take as many photographs as possible as this will increase your chances of getting the perfect pictures
- Take panoramic and wide shots from several angles to get an overall view of the scene
- Photograph the other cars involved in the accident so their proximity to the actual accident spot and other vehicles involved can be determined
- Photograph damaged objects like guardrails, stop signs, trees and other stationary objects along the roadway
- Photograph traffic signals, stop signs or yield signs which can be tied to the at-fault driver that lead to the accident
- Take photographs of the damage done to your car at different angles (also try to get your license plate in the picture if possible to confirm the damage is to your car)
- Take photographs of the damage to other vehicles involved in the accident
- Take pictures of broken glass or any other debris resulting from the accident
- Take pictures of skid marks. Often times a negligent driver will try to avoid an accident by slamming on his/her brakes
- Photograph the police and ambulance on scene. If anyone is loaded up on a gurney and put in the back of an ambulance, get a shot of that as well
- Take photographs of the participants and any witnesses as this will help connect faces to statements when preparing your personal injury claim
- Photograph injuries sustained by you, the at-fault driver passengers and any by standers. Try to capture graphic images of any blood, lacerations, contusions, bruises or broken bones
- Take photographs of any latent injuries that develop after the accident, and add them to your collection
Taking good photos is only a part of building a compelling case. Getting a trusted and experienced car accident attorney Belleville is another. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call an experienced St Louis car accident lawyer at 618.641.9189 | 314.312.2930 | info@www.hm-attorneys.com
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