Should I Take Pictures After a Car Accident?
Anyone who has ever watched the movie My Cousin Vinny understands just how important photographic evidence can be in a court of law. In the movie, two new Yorkers are accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college and enlist the help of their loudmouth cousin, a lawyer from New York with no trial experience. In the end, the case gets resolved with the use of just one picture. Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words! This is especially true when it comes to presenting a compelling car accident claim after a wreck. Taking photos of the damage to your vehicle and the accident scene itself will provide important evidence to bolster your car accident claim.
Guide on Taking Photos After a Car Accident:
One of the most important tasks after any accident is determining fault and liability for any property damage and injuries. If the other driver who caused the accident later denies fault, car accident scene pictures can help confirm that your version of the facts is accurate. In addition, pictures of the property damage to your vehicle and the accident scene can help shed some light on the cause of the crash. There is no recommended amount of time that you should spend taking photos of your car or accident scene after a crash. The length of time entirely depends on the extent of damage to all vehicles involved and the specific circumstances or factors that played a role in causing the accident. Overall, the goal is to capture the where, when, and how of the accident. Well taken photos can aid attorneys, law enforcement officials, and insurance adjusters throughout the insurance claims process. First of all, before you begin taking pictures, make sure that the area is secure, and you will not be hit by an oncoming vehicle. Once it is safe to do so, begin taking photos and try to take photos of the vehicles before they are moved away or before tow trucks arrive on the scene and begin to prep the vehicles to be towed. Try to tell a story with your pictures by showing an overall shot of the entire accident scene from a distance, gradually moving in closer to the point of the impact. Make sure to take pictures that depict the road conditions at the time of the accident. This may include things like potholes, obstructions, debris or foliage to name a few.
Below is a list of some of the types of pictures you should try to include in order to support your car accident claim:
• Pictures of the interior of all of the vehicles (Examples: mileage, radar detectors, headsets, food, cans/bottles, cell phones, etc.)
• Pictures of ID cards, insurance information, license tags or license plates and any other unique markings on the other driver’s vehicle
• Pictures of any road conditions that may have caused the accident
• Pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved in accident from all angles
• Pictures of any property damage caused by the accident
• Pictures of the other vehicle occupants, if any, involved in the crash especially if they do not appear to be injured.
• Pictures of skid marks left by tires on the roadway or surrounding area
Speak with a Miami Car Accident Attorney Today!
Our firm’s goal is to make sure our clients get properly compensated for their damages so that they can recover from their injuries. If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident, you should consult with a car accident attorney to assess the accident and discuss your options going forward. There is no substitute for quality legal advice after being involved in a car accident. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a car accident, the car accident lawyers at Suarez & Montero can help you recover lost wages and compensation to pay for medical bills and treatment. Let us review your case and discuss your legal options. Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation and stand ready to protect your rights. Simply make an appointment with us at one of our many locations. Let us help you get the medical care you need and fight to make sure you are compensated for your injuries! Our car accident attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
