Should I Take Photos Of My Car Accident?

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is always a good idea to take photos of the scene if you can. Sometimes this is not possible if you have been injured or if the car is towed away before you get a chance to take photos. If you cannot take pictures of the car at the scene, it is a good idea to take photos of the vehicle as soon as you can before the vehicle is repaired.

Why Take Photos of your Car Accident?

Taking photos of the scene of the accident captures multiple important details, such as the conditions at the time of the accident, the exact location where the vehicles ended up after the accident and the extent of the damage to both vehicles before they are repaired. Many people try to change their stories after an accident if they are worried that they will be accused of causing it. Taking photos ensures that you have documented things exactly as they were on that day. It is a good idea to take pictures of any important traffic signs like speed limit signs, traffic signals, and markings on the road. Also make sure to take photos of anything that appears to be left from the accident like skid marks or debris.

What If I Don't Own a Good Camera?

You do not need an expensive camera to photograph the accident for documentation purposes. You will want to take the best photographs that you can under the circumstances, but remember that the main reason to take photographs is that they will help immensely when you are trying to remember important details. Make sure that you call 911 first to report the accident and move to a safe location before you take photos. Always take more photos than you think you need.

What If I Didn't Take Photos Immediately After the Accident?

Even if you cannot take a photo of the accident shortly after it occurred, it is a good idea to take photos of the scene during similar conditions to those that were present during the accident. This can help you explain to an attorney what happened if you were injured and intend to file a personal injury lawsuit or if you are accused of reckless driving, driving while intoxicated or are sued for causing injuries to another person.

Take Photos of All Injuries

You should also take pictures of any injuries you sustained and any injuries that were sustained by passengers in the vehicle. Some injuries like bruises may not show up right away after an accident. Many personal injury lawsuits take a long time to settle or proceed to trial, and having a photo of an injury can show a lot that is not revealed in medical records or testimony.

Backup Your Photos

Make sure that you store your photos in a safe location. If you took pictures with your phone, make sure that you transfer the photographs to a computer or other device or save them on your email. You do not want to risk having the only photos of your accident destroyed if your phone or camera is lost or broken. If you have an attorney, it is a good idea to provide copies to them for your client file in case they are needed later.

If you've been injured in a car wreck, you need an experienced attorney by your side to ensure your rights are protected. Call the Jackson car accident lawyers at 'MAGGIO LAW today to discuss your case during a free consultation - (601) 265-6869!