After being involved in a car accident, one of the most important steps you can take is to document the scene thoroughly, especially through photos. The images you capture can serve as evidence for proving liability and supporting your claims for compensation. A car accident lawyer at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you understand how to use your photos to build a strong case.
Below are the best practices for documenting the scene of a car accident with photos and how a skilled attorney can help you in the claims process.
What Should I Photograph at an Accident Scene?
The more detailed your photos are, the stronger your case will be. Here’s what you should photograph at the scene:
The accident scene. Take wide-angle shots of the entire scene to show how the accident occurred. This helps establish the position of vehicles, road conditions, and the surrounding environment.
Vehicle damage. Document all visible damage to the vehicles involved, including both exterior and interior damage. This will be important when calculating the extent of property damage.
Traffic signs and signals. If there are any relevant traffic signs, signals, or road markings, take clear photos of them. These can help show whether the other driver was in violation of traffic laws.
Road conditions. Capture any road hazards, debris, potholes, or weather conditions (e.g., wet or icy roads) that could have contributed to the accident.
Skid marks or tire tracks. If applicable, take photos of skid marks or tire tracks, as they can help establish the dynamics of the crash.
Damage to property. If the accident caused damage to surrounding property, such as guardrails, traffic signs, or fences, document it as well.
How Many Photos Should I Take at the Scene?
The more photos, the better. Take as many as you can while still being mindful of the time and your safety. Try to capture the scene from different angles and distances. This will help create a more complete picture of the incident, which can be useful when assessing liability. A wide variety of images ensures you’re covering all angles and preserving evidence that might otherwise be overlooked.
What Angles Are Best for Documenting a Car Accident?
To document the accident scene effectively, consider the following angles:
Wide shots. Start by taking wide-angle shots of the entire accident scene from a safe distance. This will provide context for the crash and show how the vehicles are positioned in relation to each other.
Close-ups of damage. Get close-up shots of the specific damage to the vehicles and any other property. Make sure the damage is clearly visible in the photo.
Driver and passenger side. If possible, take photos from both the driver’s side and passenger’s side of each vehicle involved. This will provide a fuller view of the damage and accident scene.
From different perspectives. If you’re able to, take photos from a few different angles around the vehicles. For example, take pictures from the front, rear, and both sides.
Is It Important to Capture the Surrounding Area?
Yes, photographing the surrounding area can provide important context. Capture the environment, including:
Nearby landmarks. To help establish the location of the accident.
Street conditions. Including any potholes, debris, or road construction that might have contributed to the crash.
Weather conditions. If the weather was a factor in the accident (rain, snow, fog, etc.), take photos to show the visibility and road conditions at the time of the crash.
The surrounding area can provide crucial evidence about why the accident occurred and whether external factors played a role.
Documenting Injuries Sustained
Photograph any visible injuries that you sustained in the accident, especially if they change over time. For example, bruises, cuts, or swelling may not be as severe right after the accident but could worsen later. Documenting the progression of your injuries can help demonstrate the extent of your pain and suffering.
Should I Take Pictures of Vehicle Damage Specifically?
Yes, vehicle damage should be photographed in detail. Include both the exterior and interior, if possible. Specifically, photograph:
Dents, scratches, and broken parts of the vehicle’s body.
Airbag deployment, if applicable.
Broken windows or other structural damage.
Impact points. Where the collision occurred on the vehicle, as this can help establish the point of impact and the force of the collision.
These photos will help in estimating the cost of repairs and establish the seriousness of the crash.
Legal Considerations When Documenting
While documenting the scene, keep the following legal considerations in mind:
Don’t alter the scene. Make sure not to move vehicles or change anything at the scene unless it’s necessary for safety or legal reasons (e.g., to avoid further accidents).
Respect privacy. If you are photographing people, be sure to respect their privacy. Don’t take unnecessary or intrusive photos.
Avoid admitting fault. Even if you think you might be at fault, never make admissions of guilt in photos or statements made at the scene. Let the evidence speak for itself.
How Will a Car Accident Attorney Use My Photos When Building a Case?
The photos you take at the scene can be crucial evidence for your case. A car accident lawyer at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can use your photos to:
Establish liability. The photos can help show how the accident occurred, the extent of damage, and other factors that may point to the other driver’s negligence (such as violations of traffic laws or unsafe driving).
Prove the severity of injuries. Your photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene help illustrate the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, making it easier to calculate and justify compensation.
Corroborate witness statements. If you have witness statements, your photos can help back up their accounts, strengthening your case.
Present a timeline. Photos taken at different stages of the accident (such as before or after emergency personnel arrive) can establish a timeline that helps clarify the sequence of events.
We’re on Your Side – Call Now for a 100% Free Consultation!
Documenting the scene of a car accident is a critical step in building your case, and the car accident lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins are here to help you make the most of that evidence. We understand how important it is to preserve and present the facts of your case to get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to establish liability, prove your damages, and ensure you’re compensated for all the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve suffered. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, and we don’t charge fees unless we win.
Let Loncar Lyon Jenkins help you with your accident claim—contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
