Why Taking Photos After a Car Crash Matters

There are roughly 6 million motor vehicle accidents that occur in the United States each year that leave millions of drivers temporarily or permanently injured. After a crash, you may be sitting in your vehicle overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. If you are able to, and need medical attention, you should call 9-1-1 and report the accident. While you are waiting, and if you are able, you should get out of harm’s way.  And, finally, when it is safe to do so, start taking pictures. This may not seem like a top priority after being involved in a car accident, but it is extremely important, regardless of the severity of the accident.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, our team of trusted car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are here to help you. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys are equipped with the skills and legal expertise to get you the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation. It could be the best call you make.

The Importance of Car Accident Photo Evidence

Photographs and videos from various angles, positions, and distances of the motor vehicle accident are powerful pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. Having a variety of photographs and videos can help your claim, as they can show important details and factors of the accident. Additionally, photos are important to fill in the blanks if you forget any details about the accident.

Photo evidence will document various key details of the accident, including who was involved, property damages, injuries, posted traffic signs at the scene of the crash, weather conditions, and roadway conditions. Furthermore, photo evidence can prove beneficial to your claim by showing how the other party is at fault for the accident.

How to Take Car Accident Photos for Evidence

Understanding what types of photos and videos will be beneficial to your claim is crucial when photographing the scene of an accident. When taking photo and video evidence, it is recommended that you capture:

• Injuries. Photographing your injuries immediately after, and in the days that follow, is crucial. Remember that some injuries, like bruising, may not appear immediately after the crash. Thus, photographing them as they appear is important.
• Vehicle Damage. The exterior and interior of your vehicle can be severely damaged in a crash. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle including dents, scratches, broken windows, bumpers that are hanging or have fallen off, shattered windows, and other damages caused by the vehicle that hit you.
• Property Damage. Property damage, including nearby structural damage, and roadway or traffic sign damage should also be captured as evidence. In addition to these, photographing other aspects of the scene, such as skid marks, can be useful evidence.
• Nearby Traffic Signs. Traffic signs and signals can prove to be important clues in determining who is at fault in an accident. Documenting photos of all present traffic signs and signals at the scene is useful and should be done.
• People Involved. Once the police arrive, you should be documenting the officers, witnesses, and other individuals involved. It’s important to know who was there, as your attorney may wish to consult one or more of the police officers or witnesses present at the accident scene.
• Surrounding Scene. Even if you don’t realize their significance at the moment, the surroundings of the accident scene may contain valuable evidence for later use. For example, there could be businesses with security cameras that recorded the entire incident. By taking pictures, you’ll be reminded to reach out to these establishments later.
• Any Other Important Details. Photograph anything that you feel is important or relevant to the accident. You can never have too much photo evidence. Even if you don’t use it in your claim, it is better to have more than you need, rather than not enough. Additionally, taking pictures of the same thing from various angles and positions is useful.
• Timestamps/Dates. Dates and timestamps on your photos are important. They provide an accurate account of when the accident occurred.

What if I am Unable to Take Pictures Due to Injury?

If you suffer an injury that makes you unable to take photo evidence of the scene, you should have others acquire photo evidence for you. If there is a passenger in your vehicle that is not severely injured and can take photo evidence for you, ask them to do it. If not, contact a family member or friend who can report to the scene as soon as possible. You can also ask a responding officer to take photos and videos on your behalf. If you find yourself unable to have anyone, take photographs for you on the day of the accident, don’t panic. Photographs of injuries, vehicle damages, and property damage can be taken in the days following the accident.

Steps to Take After Collecting Photo Evidence

After collecting photo evidence, there are other steps to take before filing your claim. These include:

• • Request a copy of the police report: Before leaving the scene of the accident, request a copy of the police report. These may take a few days to process, but you can reach out to your local police in the days following the accident and ask for a copy of the police report. Having a copy of this is useful evidence that can help support your claim.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it is wise to seek medical attention. A doctor can help identify and treat injuries.
  • Contact The Barnes Firm and speak to one of our experienced attorneys: At The Barnes Firm, our team of experienced attorneys have the expertise, skills, and resources necessary to protect your legal rights and help secure the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000.

  Does All Photo and Video Evidence Matter?

  Regardless of the quantity and quality of your evidence, it matters. Taking as much photo and video evidence as possible can be beneficial in supporting your claim after a motor vehicle accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, The Barnes Firm is here to help. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys are equipped with the knowledge to help you get the best result possible for your personal injury case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation. It could be the best call you make.

  After a Car Crash, Call The Barnes Firm

  If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, The Barnes Firm is here to help you get the best result possible. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys will help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to get you the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.  

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes