What Kind of Pictures Should I Take after an Auto Accident?

Taking pictures of the accident scene is critical for all drivers after a car accident. Photos serve as concrete evidence by proving what had happened during the accident by capturing proof that may disappear later on.

However, you may wonder what kind of photos can support a case while claiming compensation after an auto accident.

You don’t want to miss any shots, so read this quick guide for taking photos in a car accident scene. Call an auto accident attorney in Burbank to know other pieces of evidence you must also collect.

1. Vehicles Involved in the Accident

Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the crash, specifically your car and the other vehicles’ damages. Photos with license plates prove that those vehicles were involved in the accident.

Moreover, remember to take pictures from different angles to show the vehicles’ conditions and position. Ideally, take close-up images and some from a few feet away.

2. Accident Site

There are many photos you must take of the accident site. However, take these shots right after the collision before anyone removes or cleans away the evidence.

• Geographic Location

Take photos of the accident site’s general location from a distance. If possible, go up to a nearby building to photograph the collision area.

The photos should show if the accident occurred on a slope, intersection, curve, or other roadway types. Also, take shots of the actual collision site if the vehicles are already in a safe area.

• Road Signs

Photograph road signs around the accident site, like traffic lights, slow down and reduce speed signage.

These images can show the traffic condition in the area at the time of the car crash or determine possible violations.

• Road Condition

Take pictures that prove the road condition at the time of the car crash. Remember that different road conditions can also contribute to a car accident.

For example, you may prove that the road was wet or slippery because of winter conditions.

You may also take pictures of bumps, cracks, or debris on the road. These can make the government or a private entity liable for that area’s poor road maintenance.

• Other Evidence in the Accident Site

Thoroughly photograph the crash site for other evidence that can support a case. Watch out for skid marks on the road, broken debris from the vehicles, or other damaged properties.

3. Injuries

Photograph bruises, scratches, or large wounds that you may have sustained. Remember that your looking alright in the photos can damage your case.

Moreover, maintain an ongoing journal of your accident-related injuries for days or weeks after the car crash. You can use that photographic journal to prove that the injuries have affected your daily functions.

What If You Fail to Take Pictures Immediately after the Car Crash

Some situations in a car crash can stop you from taking enough pictures of the accident, like your sustaining severe injuries.

In that case, this is what you can do:

• Ask someone else to take the pictures like the police or bystanders.
• Try going back to the accident site a few hours or a day after the car crash. You can at least take pictures of the geographic location and condition of the crash site.
• Try asking for video footage from other cars, people, or establishments around the accident site.
• You must secure other valuable evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical reports. This is regardless of whether you have accident-related photos or not.

Consulting a Burbank Auto Accident Lawyer After an Auto Accident can Help

It’s critical to gather evidence from an accident scene right after a car crash, and photos are vital evidence.

An auto accident attorney in Burbank will know how to use these photos in your favor while claiming compensation.