4 Things to Photograph at the Scene of a Car Accident

 Posted on January 19, 2017 in Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident, there are steps you can follow to help your case, should you choose to file a personal injury claim. One easy thing is to take photos and record videos in the moments after your accident with your smartphone. 

Many people forget to document the accident scene. Photos and video are usually great tools in a civil case because they can convey to the jury many important details of the accident. If there are no photos, the jury must rely on testimony instead. Testimony is not as compelling as visual images and can also be more easily disbelieved.

It is important to remember, though, that your health and safety is the first priority. Do not attempt to take photographs if you are seriously injured. Also, only if you are able, be sure that you call the police and trade insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the accident.

What to Document 

There are many items you should attempt to capture with your camera or smartphone after a car accident. Also, it is recommended to take a mix of videos and still photos. Accident victims should try to document the following:

1. Damage to vehicles, inside and out. Be sure you take pictures of the other vehicles in the accident.
2. Damage to property. If any property besides your vehicle was damaged, it should be documented.
3. Bodily injury. If possible, you should record any injuries of the driver and passengers in your car. You may videotape yourself describing your injuries and pain at the accident scene.
4. Lay of the land. It is also important to document the accident scene more generally. Document the road the vehicles were traveling on before the crash as well as any skid marks or damage done to guardrails or roadways.

Some injuries that may appear minor at the accident scene will become worse over time. After you leave the scene of the accident, you should continue to track your injuries with a camera daily or weekly.

Before You Share Your Photos, Consider This

The photos you take after your accident should not be put on social media. This can cause more harm than good and can compromise your case. By posting photos to the Internet, you are essentially handing over evidence to the at-fault party and his or her insurer. While it may be your first instinct to update everyone online of your progress, it is never advised to post or say anything on social media about a car accident.

Contact a Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer

There are many tips a knowledgeable car collision attorney can give accident victims as they proceed with a claim. For more information about how to pursue compensation for your injuries, contact a Milwaukee auto accident attorney. Call Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP at 414-271-1440 to schedule a meeting today.

Source:

http://www.dmv.org/wi-wisconsin/accident-guide/