Taking photographs after an accident is an essential step to recovering compensation for several reasons. Photo evidence documents vehicle damage and crash injuries, helping establish the extent of the harm you suffered. It can also show the accident’s cause and who is ultimately to blame.
For more about the types of pictures, you should take after an accident, how to take photos at the crash scene, and how pictures could affect your car accident claim, contact the personal injury lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC.
Helpful Pictures After an Accident
Pictures that can be useful after a car accident include those of:
- The overall accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles involved and any visible damage to surrounding structures
- Any visible damage to each vehicle involved
- Any visible injuries to those who got hurt in the accident
- The surrounding area, including any traffic signals, road signs, ambient lighting, hazardous weather conditions, or other relevant details
- Skid marks, debris, hazards, or other items on the roadway
How to Take Photos After an Accident
Here are a few tips for taking pictures after a car wreck:
- Take photos from multiple angles to give a fuller picture of the scene.
- If possible, use a camera or smartphone with a high resolution to capture lots of detail.
- A wide-angle lens will get a fuller view of the accident scene, including skid marks and other road defects.
- Try to include something in the photo that you can use as a reference point, such as a street sign or a building.
How Photos Affect Your Accident Injury Claim
Photographic evidence can support your car accident injury claim in several ways, including by:
- Establishing how the accident occurred and who might be at fault
- Demonstrating the severity of the collision’s impact and its effect on vehicles
- Showing the severity and extent of crash-related injuries
- Providing objective evidence when there are conflicting accounts of what happened
What If You Didn’t Get Pictures at the Scene of the Accident?
You might not have gotten pictures at the scene because you forgot, didn’t have a camera, or were too hurt to take photos. However, you can still gather evidence for your injury claim by following these steps:
- Take photos of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the wreck.
- If you have visible injuries, take photos of them as soon as possible. Continue taking new photos as the injuries heal over time.
- Ask any eyewitnesses who saw the accident whether they took photos or video footage of the accident they’re willing to share with you.
- Get a copy of the police report. It might include important details about the accident, such as the time, location, and any citations that were issued.
- If you went to the hospital or saw a doctor after the accident, get copies of your medical records to document your injuries and healthcare treatment.
Contact a Lawyer at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC to Help with Your Car Accident Claim
If you need help with a car accident claim in West Virginia, contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC. We can answer your questions and review your case for free when you get in touch with us for a free consultation.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
