In the aftermath of a car accident, your thoughts and feelings may be swirling as you come to terms with what just happened. No one expects to get into an accident but if you do, feeling prepared about what to do and how to handle the situation can be empowering. A critical step to take after a car accident is to document what’s happened with pictures. 

Good evidence, including photographs, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a car crash, the most important action is to seek immediate medical care. Whether or not you were injured, it's always a good idea to gather evidence in the immediate aftermath and even the days following. 

Tips on What to Photograph After a Car Accident

There are some key elements of a car accident scene and your claim to try to document as soon as possible:

1.Vehicle Damage

Photograph all damage to your car, including exterior damage and interior damage like inflated airbags. Try to take photos from multiple angles and close-up shots. Do the same with any other vehicles involved in the crash.

2.Roadway Debris and Skid Marks

If there is debris in the roadway or skid marks from any vehicle, make sure to capture images of the road. Skid marks occur when a car suddenly stops and may indicate a driver was speeding or driving too fast for traffic conditions. 

3.Traffic Lights and Road Signs

By documenting nearby road signs and traffic signals, you can build evidence that may show how traffic lights and road signs may have been ignored. Or, the signs may be obstructed, damaged or malfunctioning which could show that the municipality may not be maintaining a safe roadway. 

4.Weather

Weather and outside conditions can play a large role in a car accident. Wet surfaces, ice, snow, or wind-blown debris in the road can be an additional factor in the circumstances of the accident and determining fault. Try to capture images showing the weather at the time of the accident and the time of day. If there are hazardous roadway conditions because of the weather, like standing water, debris or icy patches, take photos of those conditions. 

5.Your Injuries

If you’ve been injured in the car accident and can safely do so, try to take photos of your injuries before you receive medical care. If that’s not possible, do not worry, your medical records will also serve as evidence. However, try to take pictures of your injuries as soon as you can and document your injuries as you recover and rehabilitate. 

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t go it alone. An experienced car accident lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. With our long track record of success, we’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence. Contact us now at 201-801-3795