What Should I Photograph After a Car Accident?
July 5, 2021
The scene after a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. As a result, some important details can be forgotten, which could impact a future claim. That is why it is so important to take photographs or video of the event. Photographic evidence helps build a story of what happened, who caused the collision, and it helps document the severity of the property damage as well as the car accident injuries.
Obtaining photographs of the scene is one of the essential steps to follow immediately after an accident, but it may be difficult to decide what photographs should be taken. Listed below are different types of photographic evidence that can help build a personal injury case.
Exterior and Interior Vehicle Damage
Photographs taken of the exterior damage to the vehicle not only explains the severity and location of the damage, but they may explain other important details, such as the speeds of both vehicles before the collision. Photographs should also include broken off parts of the car and their locations. For instance, a photograph of debris may tell investigators how fast the opposing vehicle was travelling at the time of impact. Furthermore, photographs of skid marks are also telling. Skid marks can accurately show how fast a car was going before the accident or when the driver began to brake.
Photographs of interior damage paints a picture as well. It properly documents the deployment of airbags or whether seat belts were used. Airbags only deploy at certain speeds, which can also depict the severity of the accident.
Occupants
Following an accident, it may be difficult to remember who was involved and at what capacity. Pictures of witnesses, police officers, emergency responders, and even of the other driver and their passengers can be helpful in an accident claim. Photographs of license plates or driver’s licenses can also help maintain contact.
All Injuries
Car accident injuries help explain what happened in the collision. If possible, it is best to obtain photographs of any injuries suffered by either the drivers or passengers involved. Some injuries may not be visible or seem minor, but it is best to document any physical harm. Timing is important for any claim.
If injuries prevent a person to take photographs, then medical attention should be sought out immediately. Medical records and doctor notes can document the injuries.
Accident Scene
Obtaining photographs of the surrounding area helps recreate what occurred to investigators. Be sure to take several wide-angle photographs of the accident scene itself with both vehicles in frame, as well as their positions and locations.
Photographs of the roadway and intersection are important, as well as pictures of traffic signs or lights. Often, signs have been obscured by the environment or have been misplaced, so a car accident victim should make sure to photograph any signs in the area. A missed yield or a stop sign may place fault on one party over the other.
Additionally, taking photographs of the scene can also involve businesses in the area. Businesses may have security cameras with footage of the accident. Photographs and videos of the scene can also show what the weather was like at the time of the accident.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Help Personal Injury Victims Compile Photographic Evidence
Details of a collision can be hard to recall, which is why photographs of the accident are so important. If you were recently injured by a negligent driver, then contact one of our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. immediately. Call us at 215-569-9100 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.