Car accidents are overwhelming. Whether it’s a fender-bender or a significant collision, a crash can leave you feeling dazed. You have to grapple with police officers, insurance companies and medical staff, not to mention you’re probably facing expensive damages to your car and your body.
Photographs can help
Because of all this chaos, the details of your accident might become fuzzy. When you decide to file a personal injury claim, not remembering the extent of the damage can hurt your chances of receiving the compensation you need to recover. That’s why it’s beneficial to take photographs of the aftermath of your crash.
Here are just three tips to remember when photographing the scene of your accident.
1. Capture all damages
Photographing any damage to you, your vehicle, the other vehicles involved and the surrounding area can help you build a strong case. This can include:
- Exterior car damage
- Interior car damage
- Debris on the road
- Your injuries
- Passenger injuries
- Skid marks
- Curb damage
- Damaged street signs
2. Take multiple photos
There’s no such thing as having too many photos of your accident. Providing photographs of the scene from different angles and perspectives will allow you to capture the full extent of the accident. Make sure to include close-up, detail-oriented shots, as well as pictures of the scene as a whole.
Photos can also sometimes be blurry or shaky. So, having multiple shots of the accident will ensure that you have at least one clear shot of the scene. It’s also a good idea to experiment with flash if it’s dark out so that you can see the details clearly.
3. Use objects for scale
In digital photographs, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the size of the damage. When you’re taking pictures, it can be helpful to photograph the accident damages with similar-sized objects. This way, attorneys and insurance companies can better understand how serious the damage is.
You can use coins, car keys, your wallet or your hand to scale smaller dents or injuries. For larger damages, have a person stand beside your vehicle, or capture a building, street sign, traffic light or fire hydrant if it is near enough to demonstrate the impact of the damages.
Taking numerous, clear photos can help you recall important details of your accident. With a compelling collection of accident photographs, an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
