What Car Accident Photographs Should I Take After a Collision?

In the moments immediately after a car accident, you may feel incredibly overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. However, it is imperative that you remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Generally, this includes calling emergency services to report the accident and receiving emergency medical treatment for the injuries you sustained. Additionally, you should take car accident photos at the scene to document possible evidence that may be needed later. If you are unsure what pictures to take, the following blog explores what you must know and why you should contact our Irvine car accident lawyers for further assistance.

Why Must I Take Photographs Following a Car Accident?

When you are involved in a car accident, taking photos of the accident scene is critical to capturing evidence. Not only can this capture the property damage and injuries sustained, but it can also help provide proof of the collision and whether or not there were any contributing factors to the accident.

That said, is not uncommon for accident victims to have injuries that prevent them from taking photos directly following the collision. However, if there is a passenger in your car who is physically capable, ask them to take pictures. If you are close to home, you can call a friend or family member to assist. Though some photos, like injuries or damage to your car, can be taken at a later date, it is always best to take the photographs as soon as possible after the collision.

What Should I Take Pictures Of?

Generally, the most important thing you should photograph following a car accident would be the vehicles involved – all of them. Many make the mistake of only taking photos of cars with damage; however, photographing every car can help ensure certainty regarding the vehicles involved as you can capture the make, model, and license plates of the cars.

You should also photograph any physical injuries you sustained. Because injuries heal, taking photos after the accident can help prove the extent of the injuries you endured.

Finally, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene. This includes road conditions, any signs, video of stoplight timing, property damage, whether or not there is a “leading green” or “leading left,” and any hazards that could have contributed to the collision.

Is There Anything Else I Should Consider?

When taking photos, it is in your best interest to time and date stamp the photos taken, if possible. This can help limit confusion surrounding when the pictures were taken.

Additionally, you should create multiple copies of these photos. If they are only stored on your phone, for example, and your phone breaks, you can lose this invaluable evidence. As such, you should upload these photos to your computer and/or an external hard drive so there are multiple copies.

If you have sustained injuries during a car accident, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At the California Personal Injury Law Firm, our dedicated team understands how complex these matters are, which is why we can fight for you. Contact us today to discuss your options and strategy moving forward.