Getting into a car accident is a stressful experience. However, while it can be tempting to let the stress of the situation get the best of you, knowing the steps to take in the wake of an accident can be very beneficial if you choose to file a personal injury claim. One of the best steps to take after a car accident is taking photos. Taking photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any incurred injuries can help protect your rights and support your case.
If you’ve been involved in a Pennsylvania car accident, it can be helpful to consult a skilled personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can advise you on the crucial steps to take in the aftermath of an accident. Here is some helpful information on how photographs can help a personal injury claim and three types of photos you should take after an accident.
How Photographs Can Help Personal Injury Claims
The best way to build a strong personal injury claim is to collect a significant amount of supporting evidence. Taking photographs at the scene of the accident is a great way to preserve the details surrounding the crash. Photographs can help reconstruct the scene and paint a picture of the location, road conditions, and damages of the accident. Additionally, photos can come in handy if you choose to file a claim and have to deal with insurance adjusters.
You Don’t Need a Professional Camera
When it comes to taking pictures of the scene, you are simply trying to preserve as much evidence as possible. Taking photographs of the scene does not require a professional camera—any device that takes pictures will do. If your phone or camera has the ability to time stamp photos, be sure to have that feature enabled. Here are three types of photos to take at the scene
Vehicle Damages
Be sure to take close-up photos of any vehicle damage from the accident—both to your car and the other parties involved. Don’t forget to take photos of any damage that occurred to the inside of your car, such as deployed airbags. Taking a variety of pictures is the best way to show the severity of the damage.
The Accident Site
The jury or insurance company doesn’t go to the scene of the accident. Therefore, taking pictures of the accident site is essential for giving the jury or insurance company an accurate picture of what happened. Take pictures of any signs near the accident site like stop or merge signs. Be sure to take photos of any skid marks on the road or damage to the surrounding area. It’s important to take pictures from a variety of distances and angles to provide a complete picture of the site. Using a common landmark in all of your photos is a great way to provide the scale of the accident.
Injuries
If you suffered any injuries from your accident—no matter how minor—it’s a good idea to take pictures of them. Additionally, if your injuries worsen, taking photos is a great way to document their progression.
Get Help from an Experienced Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been involved in a Pennsylvania car accident, taking photos at the scene is a great way to accumulate the supporting evidence you need for a strong personal injury claim. While it can be stressful to navigate the aftermath of a car accident, knowing what kinds of photos to take and documenting the scene can pay off in the long run. Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you collect the necessary evidence you need for a successful personal injury case. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, our personal injury attorneys are committed to ensuring our clients collect the evidence needed to secure fair compensation for their medical costs, property damage, and lost wages.
For over 65 years, our personal injury attorneys have advocated for our client’s best interests in Montgomery County and throughout Pennsylvania, recovering millions of dollars for our community members. To schedule a free case review with a skilled personal injury lawyer, complete a contact form or call today at 215-822-7575.
