You Hold the Winning Information: Why You Should Always Take Pictures After an Accident

The last thing that comes to mind when you are sitting in a driver’s seat after an accident is taking out your phone to take pictures to “remember this moment." However, it is in your best interest to capture as much information as possible about the accident.

Although everything in your case may go smoothly and the pictures might become unnecessary, you will not know that until further down the road. By then, however, it is too late to take them if you do need them.

Just in case, after ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved, your next step should be to begin collecting photo evidence.

Years ago, limited resources were available to help determine the details of a car accident case. Now, we readily have a powerful tool at our disposal: a camera on our phone. Photographic and video evidence show non-subjective proof of what happened in an accident in addition to any contributing factors and the severity of all damages. Although these pictures are not a fool-proof method of winning any case, they do add the final touches necessary to prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt.

First, photograph the accident before moving any vehicles. Taking a couple of moments to take clear pictures of the damage and the details of the scene can make a positive difference in your case. Take more pictures than you believe necessary. It is always better to have too much evidence than too little. Once you have the first photographs taken care of, move your vehicle to the side of the road and snap pictures of the following:

• Internal and external vehicle damage;
• Damage to signs, buildings, and other objects;
• Roadway damage;
• Damage to your vehicle including license plate for identification of your car;
• Demonstrate the position of each vehicle at impact;
• Skid marks;
• Debris;
• Immediate injuries;
• Traffic lights and signs;
• Surrounding landscaping;
• Weather conditions;
• Witnesses;
• Officers;
• The other driver;
• Make, model, and license plates;
• Driver’s license;
• Insurance information;
• Registration; and
• Surrounding businesses.

Photographs and videos can be evidence to substantiate your injury claims. However, this evidence alone will not necessarily build you a winning case against an insurance company with a financial agenda. A Monterey car accident attorney will gather further details surrounding your experience, hire expert witnesses, and build a strong argument to earn you the most compensation for your injuries. The lawyers at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P also offer a free case review. Call us today at (408) 298-7200 to get started.

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