Photos You Should Take After a Car Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, thinking about collecting evidence for your car insurance claim is probably the furthest thing from your mind. But while you may not be focusing on it, taking action as soon as possible after a car accident occurs may be essential for recovering your full compensation amount. Here is a look into what you need to know about photos you should take after a car accident.

Should I Take Photos After a Car Wreck? Why?

Taking photos after a car wreck is an important thing to do in terms of gathering potential evidence to support a claim.  As the old adage goes, a picture is worth 1,000 words – rather than having to prove your lack of fault or damages, photographic evidence can do the job for you. Photos can illustrate how an accident happened, the direct aftermath of the accident, the extent of physical damage to vehicles or other objects involved, and the severity of your injuries. When engaging in claims negotiations with an insurance company, photos can help to ensure that you get every penny to which you are entitled.

What Photos to Take After a Car Wreck

Understanding the importance of photographic evidence is not enough. You need to know exactly what it is that you should photograph. DMV.org recommends recording as much as you can about the accident. This include taking photos of:

• The other person’s vehicle;
• License plate numbers;
• The positions of the vehicles at the time of the accident;
• Your vehicle, including both exterior and interior damage;
• The car accident scene;
• Weather and conditions (Was it raining at the time of crash? Did the accident happen during the nighttime?)
• Any skid marks, debris from the accident, or other road surface conditions;
• Traffic lights or traffic signs in the area;
• Your injuries;
• Witnesses and the other driver.

The best rule of thumb when taking photos after a car accident is to get as many shots, and at as many angles, as possible. Even if you think that a photo may be irrelevant, snap it anyway – you never know how it may affect your claim at a later date.

What If I Am Injured and Cannot Take Photos?

In some cases, your injuries may be severe enough to prevent you from taking photographs right after a car accident. When this is the case, it is important that you call a car accident attorney as soon as possible – a car accident attorney can travel to the scene of the accident and take photos on your behalf. Your attorney can later help you organize the photos into substantial evidence for your claim.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a car accident in Kentucky, an experienced Lexington car accident attorney can help you. If you have questions about photos you should take after a car accident or how taking photographs can help you during settlement negotiations with the insurance company, the attorneys at the Frank Jenkins Law Office are ready to meet with you. Call us today or schedule your initial free case consultation online.