In the event of an accident and any subsequent trial, those involved will need evidence that substantiates their case. Whenever police respond to an accident, they will collect statements from those involved regarding the accident, what happened from their perspective, and any other pertinent details. However, they are not likely to photograph the scene. With the advent of modern technology, nearly every person has a camera on them at all times on their phone. This can be a valuable tool in the event of a trial, but just snapping a host of pictures might prove to be a waste of time and could fail to capture what you really need. Here are some tips regarding what to photograph:
- Photograph your entire vehicle from every side. Even if there are sides that are undamaged, this will allow you to capture the condition of the whole vehicle and can establish how things may have transpired. If the other party claims that they were struck from a angle that differs from the actual account, proof that there is no damage to that portion of your vehicle could be valuable.
- Capture the damage from up close and with a wide-angle. This provides a clear view of the extent of damage as well as physical context to the damages. When presenting these images, be sure to show them together.
- Photograph both vehicles. Don’t just focus on your vehicle. Make sure that you capture the damage to the other vehicle and observe the same principles laid out above. Additionally, make sure that you capture the scene if possible. Sometimes, in the event of a minor accident, drivers will need to move their vehicles out of the flow of traffic. If so, and if it is safe, try to capture the scene prior to moving the vehicles.
- Include images of the VIN number and the license plate. These identifying marks help to establish that the vehicle in the pictures is the vehicle in question.
- Photograph any interior damage. This includes deployed airbags, where broken glass may have landed inside the vehicle, etc. This can be valuable information in establishing the nature or origin of injuries that have been sustained in the accident.
- Finally, after the accident, set aside some time to return to the scene and capture pictures of any road signs, markers, issues that may have contributed to the accident like construction or changes in the pavement.
Pictures are a storytelling device. Make sure that the pictures that you take tell the whole story of your accident so that you can clearly convey the incident in a court of law. These pictures can be valuable assets in your case and can help you receive a fair judgment in the event of a trial.
If you have been in an accident and need legal representation, call us and let us help you get your case squared away.