Too often, car accident victims believe they can take pictures of their vehicle and injuries for a personal injury claim later. In reality, it is best to document injuries and accident damages as soon as possible. This is because photos and videos are clear evidence to an insurance adjuster, judge, jury, and anyone else involved in the case. Imagery can make a claim stronger than one that relies solely on an individual’s description of an event.
Car collisions can be very upsetting and it can be difficult to think clearly, but any documentation that can be collected can be helpful, including images of car damage, the accident site, injuries, and any conditions that contributed to the event. If you are seeking more documentation details, discuss your car accident situation with a Sarasota car accident lawyer.
How to Take Car Accident Photos
Images can tell the story of an accident. For instance, an insurance company may attempt to accuse a victim of exaggerating injuries and car damage. Photographs, both wide views and close ups, can help to prove the need for compensation. Documentation can make it harder for an insurance adjuster to deny or dispute a claim.
Smartphones make documentation easier than ever. It is practical to use the tools you have on you at the scene, so simply use your smartphone for documentation and do not stress about returning to the site later with a professional photographer. When capturing images, keep the following tips in mind:
- Capture images of traffic signs and signals at the scene of an accident.
- Document the cars involved in the crash, both the outside and inside, when possible.
- Photograph physical injuries.
- Opt for a lot of images from a variety of angles, including closeups, details, and wide views of the entire area where the accident occurred.
- Check your device to be sure the correct date and time is being recorded on each image. If date and time is not available, take notes of when the images were taken.
Of course, you also need to be sure the images are stored and saved correctly. If it is helpful, you can send them to your Sarasota car accident lawyer right away, so they will have copies for safe keeping as well. Also, you can ask your Sarasota car accident lawyer if they think video is warranted, and if there needs to be any other documentation taken from the crash site.
Other Ways to Secure Compensation
If an accident already happened and you are already healing from an injury, it is still possible to secure compensation without photographs. Do not believe that you have no rights simply because you do not have photos or videos of the event. There is no legal obligation for a victim to document an accident scene.
Insurance companies may try to deny or reduce claims. With a lawyer fighting for you, just settlement amounts are possible. While photographs can strengthen a claim, there could be a path to maximum compensation without them, too.
Tell the Insurance Companies, You’re Going to Hale
Are you wondering how to use your accident photos to establish your right to compensation? The Sarasota attorneys at Hale Law can help. Our Sarasota car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or costs if we are unable to recover compensation. For a free consultation, call us at 941-735-4529.
https://halelaw.com/what-are-the-differences-between-physical-and-mental-distractions-when-driving/