If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to document the scene as thoroughly as possible in order to support your personal injury claim. One of the best ways to do this is by taking photographs of the accident scene.
That said, not all photographs are equally helpful. Understanding how to properly photograph your accident scene to strengthen your case is essential. These tips will help:
Take photos from multiple angles: It’s important to get a full picture of the accident scene, so be sure to take photographs from multiple angles. This might include photos of the vehicles involved, any damage to the road or surrounding area, and any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained.
Use a high-quality camera (if you can): To get the best possible results, it’s wise to use a high-quality camera that can capture clear, detailed photographs. A smartphone camera is generally sufficient, but a DSLR or other dedicated camera may be even better. Granted, you may not have access to such a camera at the time of an accident, but if you do, use it instead of using your phone’s camera.
Take close-up and wide shots: In addition to taking photographs of the overall accident scene, be sure to also take close-up shots of any damages or injuries. This will help provide a more detailed picture of what happened and may be especially useful in supporting your personal injury claim.
Take photos of any visible injuries: If you or your passengers sustained any visible injuries as a result of the accident, be sure to take photographs of them. This might include bruises, cuts, or other types of injuries. It’s important to document these injuries as soon as possible after the accident, as they may change or heal over time.
Take photos of the surrounding area: Along with taking photographs of the vehicles and any damages, be sure to also take photographs of the surrounding area. This might include road signs, traffic signals, or any other elements that could be relevant to your personal injury claim.
Take photos of any skid marks or debris: If there are any skid marks or debris at the accident scene, be sure to photograph them. These may provide important clues as to how the accident occurred and could be useful in supporting your personal injury claim.
Take photos of the weather and lighting conditions: The weather and lighting conditions at the time of the accident may also be relevant to your personal injury claim. Be sure to take photographs of the sky, any visible precipitation, and the overall lighting conditions at the time of the accident.
Take these photographs with you to your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. At Russell & Hill, our Spokane car accident attorneys will gladly review any evidence you can provide us with to help you better understand what your legal options may be in these circumstances. Learn more about what we can do for you by calling our offices at 800-529-0842.