The aftermath of a car wreck can be devastating. It often involves medical emergencies and confused conversations. However, you don’t have to deal with the situation alone. A car accident lawyer at DeVault Law, L.C., can walk you through the situation and help you file a claim to cover your losses.
It’s important to gather as much information as possible after a crash, including car accident photos, which can help with your case in the future. After you take care of your own medical needs and make sure others are safe, you should take car accident photos to document the scene. Below, we discuss some things to keep in mind.
Why Are Car Accident Photos So Important?
Evidence at a crash scene disappears quickly. However, pictures and videos can freeze the situation in time. You should take car accident photos quickly before cars are moved, debris disappears, and the weather changes. These images can serve as proof of the facts that you need to prove your case.
Memories fade after car accidents. Because of the adrenaline rush that you and others experience, many of the details of the crash will be quickly forgotten. Car accident photos can help you recall specific information from the date of the wreck.
When negotiating with insurance companies, you will have to prove that someone else caused your injuries and property damage. In order to prove this, you will need evidence. Car accident photos serve as substantial information for insurance adjusters and other parties who were involved in the accident. It is unlikely that the insurance company will simply take your word. You will need proof in the form of car accident photos.
How to Take the Right Car Accident Photos
After an accident, you should document as much information as you can by taking car accident photos of specific situations, including the following:
- Property Damage – Take pictures of the interior and exterior of your vehicle and any other cars that were involved. Property damage can show the severity of the accident as well as exactly what happened.
- Injuries – Take photos of your injuries and the injuries of anyone else who was in your vehicle, including children, friends, family, and other passengers. You should take pictures of your injuries at the scene of the accident as well as at later dates to show the progression of healing.
- Traffic Signs and Signals – If there are any stop lights, signs, or markings on the road, take car accident photos to document the situation. Make sure you include the location of vehicles in relation to those signs and signals.
- Witnesses and the Other Drivers – Take pictures of bystanders as well as anyone involved in the accident. This can help you recall who was present and which people gave you their contact information at the scene.
- The Environment – You should use car accident photos to clearly document the road, weather, and anything else that may have played a part in the accident. If there was a hill or flat area nearby, make sure you document that as well.
When taking pictures of the scene of an accident, make sure the time stamp and date are correct. If you are taking car accident photos with your phone, make sure your phone clock and calendar area accurate. You cannot change the time and date on your pictures after the accident; otherwise, you may be accused of tampering with the information.
What If You Cannot Take Pictures at the Scene?
If you are injured and unable to take pictures at the scene of an accident, you can ask a bystander or passenger from your car to take pictures for you. Explain exactly what you’d like them to obtain, and seek medical care as quickly as possible. However, if you are not able to get someone else to take pictures, request car accident photos from the police. Many officers take pictures to document the scene. If those are not available, you may write down everything you remember from the accident as soon as possible.
We Can Review Your Car Accident Photos and Help With Your Claim
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, an experienced injury attorney can help you manage a claim. The insurance company will be looking out for its own interests, not yours. They often try to settle claims for as little money as possible. We will make sure you are not taken advantage of. Call DeVault Law, L.C. at (816) 350-1600 to review your car accident photos and help you file a claim.