Photos and Video: Key Evidence in Your Car Accident Claim
Pictures and videos of the accident scene are crucial pieces of evidence in any car accident or personal injury claim. They can help establish liability, demonstrate the severity of the accident, and bring the details of the case to life. The phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” is especially relevant in a motor vehicle accident, and a video is worth even more. With video, you can get a much clearer understanding of the scene, the conditions, and what occurred. In fact, sometimes you may even get the adverse party admitting liability on tape, which can help your case move much more smoothly.
Keep in mind that taking pictures or video of the scene may not always be possible, especially if you are injured and need immediate care. However, if a friend or family member is present, it is important to request that they take pictures or video of as much as they can. Additionally, it is important to take pictures of any injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
Determining Liability
In a car accident claim, the party who caused the accident is responsible for covering the damages sustained by the other party. However, determining liability can be a complex process. Photos and videos can play a critical role in establishing fault, particularly when there are no witnesses or conflicting accounts of what happened. By taking pictures of the accident scene, the condition of the vehicles, and any injuries sustained, you can provide strong evidence of the other driver’s negligence. Furthermore, if there are any traffic signals, signs or road markings that are relevant to the accident, it is important to document them through photos or videos. This way, your personal injury attorney can use them as evidence to prove the other party’s liability.
Demonstrating the Accident’s Severity
The severity of an accident can significantly impact the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Taking pictures of the accident scene can help to demonstrate the extent of the damage to the vehicles and the severity of the injuries sustained by you and your passengers. Photographs that show the damage to the car, deployed airbags, and the injuries sustained, can be particularly effective in proving the severity of the accident. Moreover, pictures of the environment can be helpful in demonstrating how the accident occurred, such as, if there were any obstacles or hazards in the road that contributed to the accident.
How to Take Car Accident Photos
There are several key elements to keep in mind when taking pictures of a car accident scene. First and foremost, it is important to make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe and receiving necessary medical care.
Taking pictures at the accident scene is essential, but it’s important to do it right. Here are some tips for taking car accident photos:
- Take photos from different angles, including close-up and wide-angle shots
- Take pictures of the entire accident scene, including any skid marks, debris, and road signs
- Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved
- Take pictures of any injuries sustained by the parties involved
- Take pictures of the weather conditions and the time of day
- Take pictures of any witnesses and their contact information
How Picture Evidence Can Level the Playing Field
Insurance companies have their team of attorneys and adjusters who are trained to dispute liability, deny claims, and minimize compensation. Having photographic evidence on your side can help to level the playing field by providing tangible evidence of the facts of the accident. By showing pictures of the accident scene, the damage to the car, and the injuries sustained, you can counter the insurance company’s narrative, and strengthen your position in the negotiation process. By presenting solid photographic evidence, you can increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement or court verdict.
Keep Your Evidence Safe
It is critical to store all evidence you have gathered in a secure place. The best way to ensure your photos and videos are safe is to store them on multiple devices, including on the cloud, and make multiple copies. This way, even if one device is lost or damaged, you still have copies of the evidence that can be used in your personal injury claim. Moreover, it is important to inform your attorney about any evidence you have, so that they can be used effectively in negotiations or in court.
At Morris Injury Law, we understand that personal injury cases, especially car accidents, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’ve been in a car accident or experienced a personal injury accident, don’t hesitate to contact us at (702) 850-5555 or send us an email at mail@morrisinjurylaw.com. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve!
