Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, it could happen to any of us. In the aftermath of an incident, taking proper photographs of the scene is unlikely to be the first thing on your mind. As soon as possible, you should contact the emergency services (if they are needed). Once everyone is safe and has received the necessary medical attention, you should consider taking some photos, which can be important for a successful insurance claim or legal case. Even if you think you might be to blame, car accident scene photography can help lessen your liability or even prove that you weren’t at fault.
We hope you never find yourself in this situation, but it’s always good to be prepared. With that in mind, check out our top tips on how to take the best photos of a car accident scene.
Set the Scene
Firstly, you should take distanced pictures of the entire scene from multiple angles. Make sure to include all the vehicles involved, their position relative to the road, and any other relevant physical features (buildings, lampposts, etc.). Is there debris on the road? Skid marks? This should all be included within the wider scene to help accident reconstruction experts ascertain how the crash occurred and what happened in the aftermath. It’s also vital to include the traffic signals in the vicinity – obviously, the traffic lights will have changed, but the position of signs can be useful in determining culpability. When passed on to a specialist attorney, like these Detroit MI Auto Accident lawyers, the photos can help you build a convincing case.
Include All the Damage
Moving on to the close-up photos, you should get detailed shots of any visible damage to the vehicles involved, such as scratches, dents, deployed airbags, etc. You should also photograph damage to any personal items within the car, and property damage to the surroundings, like dented guardrails. Take more pictures than you think you’ll need – otherwise, and you might miss out on details you thought were irrelevant.
Consider the Weather
The weather can be a huge contributing factor in an accident. Glare from the sun might have impeded the driver’s vision, or the roads could be slippery due to rain or snow. You could try taking photos from the perspective of each driver, which will give more detail as to how the weather influenced the accident.
People and Documents
If you are fit to do so, you should take photos of any injuries, whether they are yours or someone else’s (assuming you have their permission). Alternatively, ask a bystander to take photos that can then be sent to you. Also, remember to photograph license plates and drivers’ licenses.
If you are involved in an accident, safety should be your first concern. But following this, you can use the tips above to take useful photographs of the scene, which in turn will help you mount a successful insurance claim, legal case, or defense.
