Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience that occurs out of the blue. Dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming and survivors might have a difficult time thinking clearly and, as such, might forget to take some crucial steps to protect themselves. Taking pictures is one step that those involved in car accidents should not neglect. Pictures can provide solid and indisputable evidence which can support your case when the time comes to file a claim.
Here are some reasons why you should remember to take pictures after a car accident as well as some tips on how to effectively do so:
It can be hard to remember to take photos after an accident. You might be injured, your vehicle might be damaged, and you are likely concerned about the impact it will have on your life. However, remember that this is part of collecting evidence, so you can obtain compensation for your losses. Benefits include:
- Evidence of how the accident occurred
- Evidence of who might have been at fault
- Evidence that you were injured
- Evidence of any property damage sustained
At the Scene of the Accident
If you sustained severe injuries, your first concern should be receiving medical attention as soon as possible. Call the police and turn on your vehicles hazard lights. You can contact a friend or, if you had a passenger who is safe or unharmed, ask him or her to take pictures of the accident. You can also contact an attorney who might be able to visit the scene in time to gather photographic evidence for you.
If everyone involved in the accident is safe, you can begin taking as many photos as possible while waiting for the police to arrive. You should also remember to gather the names of everyone involved, license plate numbers, driver’s license information, and insurance information.
Tips for Taking Photos at the Scene
Your photos will be most helpful if they are taken well, so leave no stone unturned. Here are some tips on how to accomplish this:
- Take as many as possible: Some photos might be duplicates, some might not be terribly illuminating, but you can eliminate the ones you do not want later. For now, take as many as possible. Take pictures of the other cars, people at the scene, any damage to surrounding objects, skid marks, weather conditions, your vehicle, police officers, debris, your injuries, and anything else that might be pertinent to painting a clear and accurate picture of what happened. The more you take, the better.
- Take pictures from more than one angle: Do not just take a ton of random photos. Put some thought into it and take photos of the same thing from different angles, or close-up shots that clearly show the extent of damage and injuries.
- Take progress photos of your injuries: Do not just take pictures of your injuries on the day of the accident. Take pictures throughout the recovery process. Doing so can illustrate the difficulties your injuries caused you, the severity of them, and the necessity of any ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy. The fact is that words are not nearly as powerful as photographic proof, so use this to your advantage by documenting your recovery.
- Take photos as soon as you can: The sooner you are able to take pictures, the better. This is not always feasible, of course, so you might have to ask someone else to do it at a later date. If you are able to take pictures at the scene, do not wait or hesitate. You might miss your opportunity to accurately document the scene of the accident.
Greenville Car Accident Lawyer
At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, our Greenville, MS car accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you recover the just compensation you deserve and need to cover the bills and expenses sustained by your accident. Most motor vehicle accidents are preventable, caused by negligence or dangerous driving habits, and often resulting in life-altering injuries. You should not have to shoulder this burden on your own.
Our Greenville legal team is highly experienced at representing clients who were involved in serious collisions. We will investigate the scene of an accident, gather evidence, and take care of interactions with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Contact our office today at 877-714-4171 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted member of our firm.
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