When you get in your car to go somewhere, you probably aren’t planning on being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, life can hit us hard and for many a car accident can become a reality. Among the stress and trauma that comes with being involved in an accident, it can be hard to figure out what the next step is and how to move forward. As a personal injury lawyer, I can say that one of the most important steps you can take after a crash is to take pictures of the accident. Of course, the first priority should always be to make sure yourself and any others involved are okay. But if you’re a witness or have the ability, the next priority should be to photograph the accident and damage. While it may not seem important at the time amidst all the chaos, it is critical for insurance claims and legal action against at-fault drivers.
Why is it crucial to take photographs after an accident?
So why is it crucial to take photographs after an accident? The biggest advantage of having photos of the accident is that they can be used as evidence. Most of the time when you take legal action or file insurance claims, there is a lot of back and forth between who was at fault and the true extent of damages. Photos can help show the true facts of the case and prevent the blame from unjustly falling on you. They can show proof of the cause, possible contributing factors (e.g. weather, road conditions, etc.), the extent of damages, and the setup of the scene.
Not only are pictures strong evidence, they can also help dispute claims brought against you. Many times, much like in elementary school, when someone knows they are in trouble, or have done something wrong, the story they tell is designed to mitigate their fault and insurers are going to side with their insured. However, if you have photos of your injuries, damages, and accident scene conditions immediately following the crash, you can dispute the insurance company and strengthen your case.
When taking photos of the aftermath of a crash, there is no such thing as too many pictures. Take photos of all damage (property and bodily), traffic signs, witnesses, important details (e.g. skid marks, broken glass, etc.), as well as the surrounding scene. Even if you feel as though something isn’t related to the crash, take a picture anyways. It’s better to have a photo of something you don’t need than to not have a photo of something that is needed to prove your case. If you are unable to take pictures, ask someone at the scene if they can do it for you. Photographs of an accident are a powerful piece of evidence and could be the one thing that makes your case, so don’t hesitate snap away!
If you’ve been in an accident and would like to speak to an experienced attorney.
Call Scott Harper at 502-780-2226.
Initial Consultations Are Free.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of anyone else. Any content provided herein is not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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