Should I Use My Cell Phone To Take Pictures At The Scene Of The Accident?
Yes, whenever possible, using a cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene is beneficial. Those in a car crash may have limited abilities to document the severity and nature of the damages they suffered. The photos from the accident scene may be used later as evidence to support an insurance or personal injury claim against the party that caused the crash.
Take Pictures Of All The Details
When taking pictures after a car crash, people involved should photograph the following things:
- All vehicles involved in the crash and any damage the vehicles sustained. Make sure to include the license plate and other identifiable markings.
- Any skid marks on the road
- Any debris at the accident scene, including shattered glass or broken vehicle parts on the road
- The exact location of the accident scene, including any street signs, intersections, parking lots, traffic signs, and traffic lights, among others.
- The weather conditions
- The road conditions, including any potholes, uneven road surfaces, slippery patches, etc.
- Any commercial or private properties within the vicinity. These might have surveillance video footage of the events before, during, and after the crash.
- Any injuries to people in the crash. Make sure to ask for permission first.
Snap Photos From Various Angles And Distances
Take as many photos as possible from various distances or angles. This helps lawyers and insurance companies review all photographic evidence. The person should take close-up pictures one or more feet from the subject.
Mid-distance pictures should be captured from 10 or more feet away, while long-distance photos should be captured from 20 feet away. However, taking photos from long distances should only be done when it’s completely safe. For instance, taking pictures from long distances might be unsafe if the crash occurred on a highway or interstate.
Consider the weather conditions, particularly sunlight and rain, because they can impact the interpretation or clarity of the pictures. The person taking photos should also use the cell phone’s special features, such as a wide-angle lens or extreme zoom-ins whenever applicable.
Seek Legal Advice From An Experienced Marlborough Roadside Lawyer
For people who have suffered injuries in a car crash, taking clear pictures of the accident scene could spell the difference between receiving nothing and securing the compensation they deserve for their losses. However, having pictures of the accident scene will not be enough to determine fault or prove liability for their damages. The at-fault party’s insurance provider will do whatever it can to reduce or deny their claim.
This is why legal assistance from a Marlborough roadside lawyer is needed to properly investigate the crash and deal with unscrupulous insurance companies and their legal team. To learn more about car accident claims and set up a free consultation with a Marlborough roadside lawyer, contact Berman & Russo online or by phone at 860-644-1548.
