Experiencing a car accident is often overwhelming. It may cause you to feel hopeless. You ask yourself, “How am I going to prove this accident was their fault? What about the medical bills I’m going to have to pay? I can’t afford that right now!”
The expression a picture is worth a thousand words, is something that stands true when talking about your personal injury claim. Photographs are one of the most influential pieces of evidence you can have to turn your case in your favor, as clear images proving your side of the story are hard to counter from a legal standpoint.
Here Are a Few Tips to Ensure You Take the Proper Photographs Following Your Car Accident:
Take photos of the entirety of the accident scene. All too often car accident victims come to us stating they have photographs of the scene, only to find out that they took photos of their car only. It’s important to take a step back and encompass the entire accident scene in your photos, as this will give more information about the accident—meaning it will be stronger evidence.
Photograph ALL vehicles involved. You want to be sure to take multiple photographs of all vehicles involved. Be sure to take pictures from many angles and to get the vehicle’s license plate number.
Take photos of the vehicles’ interior. Be sure to include images of damage, such as:
Deployed airbags
Broken glass
Blood
Broken components
Use your flash. It’s important to use your camera’s flash if the lighting calls for it. The brighter your photos are the better evidence they will make. Using the flash in poorly lit areas will ensure you have the highest clarity possible.
Take photographs of injuries. Be sure to take photos of your injuries, your passenger’s injuries, and if they allow for it, the other driver’s injuries.
Use objects in your photos to show a sense of scale. The more information provided, the better your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve are. Using objects for size will be beneficial. If you are taking photographs of small areas, use things like coins, keys, or cards. If the object in the photo is large, you may want to have someone stand near it or use a street sign or light post to convey the size. This will help in situations where one side tries to fabricate the story in their favor. For example, the dent on the other driver’s car is the size of a dime, but when they submit their story, it states there is a basketball sized dent. Having a photo with a sense of scale will provide the truth and will help your case.
Photograph anything you believe to be related to the accident. The more photo evidence you have, the better—especially when you are able to tell a story of what happened through the photos. Be sure to include anything that may have played a part in the accident, including:
Broken traffic lights
Broken/nonexistent stop signs
Potholes
Smashed curbs
Injured in a Tennessee Auto Accident?
It’s crucial to talk with a qualified auto accident attorney following your accident. With the information you have gathered, you will be able to speak with them and work on a plan of action to pursue the compensation you deserve.
We offer free case evaluations at Snider & Horner. Call (901) 730-8880 today to explain your claim to us and find out how we can help.
