Photos Can Strengthen Your Case Following a Car Accident
Most drivers hope that they will never have to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. Unfortunately, statistics show that most drivers will be involved in some type of collision during their lifetime. Car accidents take place every hour of every day on roads across America. These auto accidents cause millions of dollars in damage annually and result in countless injuries and deaths. As stressful as it can be to think about being involved in a car accident, it is important to be prepared in the unfortunate event of one. The auto accident attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau understand the devastating effects of car accidents, as well as what it takes to prove liability in these accidents. Some of the best assets that a person can have in building a case in a car accident are photos of the aftermath. Taking pictures after a car accident has helped many of our Daytona Beach, FL clients receive maximum financial compensation for damages suffered as the result of a collision.
Why Are Pictures Important?
In most car accidents, neither driver is willing to admit fault for the accident. Instead, it is up to investigators to piece together the details of the accident to determine who was at fault. This can often turn into a case of he said/she said. Even with the testimony of other witnesses (which isn’t always available), it is more difficult to prove liability when we rely solely on verbal information.
Unfortunately, the police often clear accident scenes quickly. While this is necessary for the flow of traffic, it makes it all but impossible for investigators to examine the scene of the accident. This is why pictures are so important. Pictures offer the only physical evidence of what the scene of the accident looked like, including the location of the accident, the position of the cars, the point of impact, and the traffic conditions. These do not need to be professional quality photos. Even low-resolution cell phone photos can be huge assets after a car accident.
What Should You Take Pictures Of?
Pictures after a car accident are the best way to preserve the scene, so it is important to capture as many details as possible. Even details that do not seem important may end up playing an essential role in proving liability, so photograph as much as possible. Below are some elements that should be photographed following a car accident:
- Your car, including photos of the damage that was sustained
- Photos of other cars involved in the accident, including photos of the damage they sustained
- The positions of the cars after the accident
- The site of the accident
- Any skid marks or other markings on the road
- Any debris (shattered glass, tire rubber, vehicle parts, etc.) that may have fallen in the road
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Traffic conditions
- Any injuries that were personally sustained (if possible) as well as injuries of other drivers (with their consent)
Overall, the more photos that can be taken, the better. Try to take photos from different angles and from different distances to get a complete picture of the scene. It is also a good idea to keep a common landmark in each of the photos in order to give an accurate idea of distance and scale. These photos can make the difference in proving liability and being awarded compensation for damages suffered, so drivers should be as thorough as possible.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you fight for compensation for damages suffered. The car accident attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau have successfully represented countless cases such as these and would be happy to help you. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case.