Tips for Taking Photos After a Car Accident

If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by another person, state law in Texas allows you to file a claim against them and requires them to pay you compensation for the harm caused. When filing a claim, you must prove another driver or entity was negligent and that you became injured as a result. If you can prove your case you may be able to obtain damages for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Pictures provide some of the strongest evidence when filing a car accident claim. They can show how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and provide other important information. Below, our San Antonio car accident attorney outlines important tips to take the best photos possible.

Stay Safe

If you are not physically able to take pictures, ask an uninjured occupant of your vehicle or a witness to take photos for you. Also make sure no one enters a lane of traffic to take pictures unless it is safe to do so. Staying in traffic could result in you being hit again or another motorist swerving to avoid you and causing another crash.

Location and Road Conditions

If road conditions such as heavy rain contributed to the accident, take photos of the road. If the crash was caused by debris in the road, such as cargo that fell off a transport truck, take photos of the cargo. Also document where the crash occurred, such as if it happened at an intersection. Take photos of any relevant details at the location, such as skid marks.

Damage to Vehicles

It is important to take pictures of any damage to all vehicles involved (not just your own vehicle). This can show where each vehicle was struck, how the crash happened, who is at fault, the traumatic nature of the crash, and the severity of the impact (which may be used to establish a causal link to the injuries sustained). Also, take photos of parts of the vehicles that broke off and are in the road.

Driver’s License, License Plates, and Insurance Information

You should exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with all other drivers involved in the crash. Instead of just writing these down, take photos of the driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance details of each party. This not only helps avoid mistakes but it can also prove the other driver was at the scene and can help your lawyer in locating the at-fault driver when it is time to serve the driver with the lawsuit.

Your Injuries

It is critical that you can prove your injuries, as the insurance company will likely try to downplay them and say you were not as hurt as you claimed. Take photos of any injuries you sustained to document them. As your recovery progresses, take photos of the injuries and how they are healing.

Evidence of Other Driver’s Fault

Car accidents can cause a great deal of anger and stress so if you feel as though it is not safe to do so, do not take pictures of the other driver. However, if you can see evidence of their negligence, such as open alcohol bottles in their car, try to take pictures of them. Additionally, if the other driver is slurring their speech or staggering, try to take video of this.

Our Car Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Provide the Legal Advice You Need

After any car accident, you need sound legal advice. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio car accident attorney can provide it and ensure you have clear guidance throughout every step of the process. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or fill out our online form to request a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence