Learn how and why you should take photos after a car wreck in Fort Worth.
Evidence builds strong legal cases when it comes to car accident claims and lawsuits. And some of the strongest pieces of evidence are photographs of your collision, especially if another driver caused your crash.
But there are certain things people should keep in mind when photographing their accident if they plan to use the photos as evidence. That's why Direct Auto Insurance recently put together a short list of tips for taking photos after a car accident.
We understand the importance of taking photos of collisions caused by other drivers. That's because our legal team has years of experience helping people injured in car crashes demand the money they rightfully deserve. If you were injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, contact us today to see how an experienced Fort Worth car accident lawyer can help you.
8 tips for taking photos of your car accident
So long as it's safe to do so, take photos of your accident as soon as possible. Insurance companies often appreciate photographic evidence since the images can reveal how and why the crash occurred. This is important because insurance companies – especially those representing at-fault drivers – can be held liable for damages.
Of course, the more facts you have supporting your claim, the better. Remember, insurance companies have a financial interest in paying crash victims as little money as possible. Without evidence such as pictures to help prove your claim, your case can quickly become a "he-said, she-said" situation.
Here are some insider tips from insurance companies about how to take the best photos of your accident. And remember, only take pictures if you're healthy enough to do so and it's safe to take pictures. If there's too much traffic, don't put yourself at risk. Instead, wait in a safe place for the police to arrive at the scene of your crash.
- Take photos as soon as possible after your collision – This is because images of the crash scene can capture the conditions (weather, light, etc.) of your collision. If possible, take these photos before anyone moves their vehicle.
- Take photographs of the crash from as many angles as possible – This gives investigators a clearer picture of the damage caused by your collision and can help show who's responsible for the crash.
- Document every detail – Keep photographing your accident, especially if a tow truck comes or others move your vehicle off the road. The more pictures you have, the better.
- Take pictures with and without a flash – Sometimes, different lighting reveals new details about your collision. For example, a picture of vehicle damage taken without a flash might not show the full extent of the car's damage.
- Take photos of the surrounding area – Your collision occurred in a specific place. Take pictures of the area around your crash, including skid marks on the road, surrounding buildings, nearby road signs, traffic signals, and speed limit signs. Remember to take pictures of the entire scene and not just the vehicles involved in the wreck.
- Photograph your injuries – If you sustained visible injuries in your collision, photographs of bruising, cuts, or other noticeable wounds can help document your injuries.
- Take photographs of official documents – Instead of writing down someone's insurance information or driver's license number, take photos of these documents. It's easy to misspell someone's name or write down the wrong numbers, especially if you've just been in a serious accident.
- Take as many photos as possible – That's what Direct Auto Insurance advises people to do. Or, as they put it, "go snap crazy." What might seem unimportant could later be a critical piece of evidence in support of your car accident injury claim. You can never take too many photos of your collision, especially since you only have one opportunity to photograph your accident before the crash site has been cleaned up and removed from the road.
How a Fort Worth car accident attorney can help
You might think you don't need a lawyer to recover maximum compensation for your damages if another driver caused your collision. But you would be amazed how many seemingly-straightforward car accident claims or lawsuits quickly turn into complicated legal cases. That's why having an experienced attorney on your side can often make a big difference in the outcome of your legal case.
Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, P.C., can help you every step of the way. Our legal team has over 30 years of experience practicing personal injury litigation in Texas and can advocate for the compensation you need and deserve. Don't take chances with your future. Take control and Call Coby so we can listen to what happened, answer any questions you might have, and explain your potential legal options.
Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation today.