How to Properly Photograph Car Accident Evidence
A car accident is always a traumatic experience, with some degree of shock and chaos in the aftermath. If you are not too seriously injured to do so, after you check to ensure everyone is okay, it is essential to take pictures of the accident scene using your cell phone or another camera. The sooner you do this, the more likely it will be that you can capture the scene undisturbed. Photos can play an important part in telling the story of how a car accident happened. In a claim for compensation for a crash that was someone else’s fault, poor quality or missing pictures can impact the outcome of your case.
With more cars and trucks than ever on the roads today, accidents are more likely to happen. In 2022, an estimated 42,795 people in the U.S. were killed in motor vehicle crashes, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.) No matter how diligently you drive, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. It is important to be prepared to take photos at the scene of an accident by having a smartphone or camera readily available.
How To Take Effective Car Accident Scene Photos
To take the most effective car accident photos, get a panoramic picture of the overall scene or a few sweeping photos of the incident. Then, take detailed photographs of everything on the scene that may be relevant to your claim. Get multiple shots of the same thing from different angles and take plenty of close-ups.
Take plenty of pictures of the accident scene from different angles and distances. Make sure your photos show the following:
- Details of all damage to the vehicles involved
- Relative positions of the vehicle
- License plates of all vehicles involved
- Skid marks on the road
- Crash debris
- Road conditions
- Any visible injuries you or your passengers suffered
- Potential eyewitnesses
- Traffic signs, road signs, street name signs, and anything that can serve as an identifying marker for the location
It is critical to take as many photos of the accident scene as possible as soon as possible after the accident because the environment and conditions can change quickly as time passes.
How To Capture the Most Detail in Your Photos
Some photos may show more detail when you use a flash, depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and lighting. Take multiple photos of everything, if possible, some with a flash and some with natural light. Having additional versions of the same picture can help clear up questions related to the accident in case one version is blurry, distorted, or unclear.
Always take more pictures than you think you will need. It is best to be thorough, even if it seems excessive at the time. You can always delete unnecessary photos later, but you never know what detail may be important until your case is complete.
How a Lawyer Can Help If You Have Been Hurt in a Pasadena Car Accident
Injuries sustained in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence can lead to extensive medical treatment and time away from work. You are entitled to seek compensation for your losses from the responsible party. Insurance companies are in business for profit and do not have your best interests at heart. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Pasadena car accident attorney handling your case.
Call Vardanyan Law Firm—You Deserve a Pasadena Auto Accident Lawyer That Cares
At Vardanyan Law Firm, we have the experience, skills, and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve. Founding attorney Ruben Vardanyan is a seasoned trial lawyer rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating a lawyer can achieve.
Our Pasadena legal team understands the traumatic experiences that bring our clients to us. Let us seek justice while you focus on rehabilitation.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a serious car accident that was not your fault, contact a Pasadena auto accident attorney at (747) 298-8628 today for a free consultation.