7 Tips to Remember When Taking Pictures of a Car Accident Scene
Even a slow-speed car accident is a jarring experience. It might seem impossible to remain calm, but there are steps you must take immediately after a collision to improve your chances of making a successful personal injury claim.
After any crash, your top priority is to seek medical attention. If you or anyone else was injured, contact the police and request emergency medical assistance. Even if nobody appears to be injured, you should still call the police so an officer will create an accident report. This report will contain important details about your wreck including the time, date, location, whether there were any injuries or property damage, and who caused the collision.
It is also important that you take photos of the accident scene. If the at-fault driver denies liability or the insurance company disputes your claim, your accident attorney may be able to use photos to prove liability and negligence. Also, if your case goes to trial, your lawyer may rely on the testimony of an accident reconstruction expert, and your photos can provide a starting point for reconstructing the scene.
Even if it is obvious that the other driver caused the crash, the insurance company will still look for any possible excuse to deny or undervalue your claim. This is where a personal injury lawyer can help.
An Omaha accident attorney from Rensch & Rensch Law will guide you through the claims process and help you avoid mistakes that would give the insurer a reason to dispute your claim. Our lawyers will interview witnesses, gather evidence, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum compensation.
We have more than 45 years of combined legal experience, and our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials. Call 1-800-471-4100 to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Read on to learn seven tips to keep in mind when taking photos at the scene of a car wreck:
- Take photos that show the positions of vehicles. According to com, investigators and accident reconstruction experts will need to know the relative positions of vehicles and other objects in order to reconstruct the collision. Take wide shots of the scene from various angles to show where the vehicles are located relative to the intersection, traffic signs, and other objects.
- Take pictures of the license plates and VIN numbers of all vehicles involved in the collision.
- Take photos of any injuries caused in the crash.
- Take pictures of any interior damage and deployed airbags.
- Take photos of any debris, skid marks, or vehicle parts strewn across the road.
- Take photos of any traffic signs.
- If you were in a crash with a commercial truck, take a picture of its DOT number.
Unfortunately, even if you have sufficient evidence to support your claim, the insurance company will be ruthless in its plight to minimize your payout. The adjuster may try to coerce you into admitting fault during a recorded statement. If you file the claim without an attorney, the insurer may offer a low settlement under the assumption that you would not be willing to take the case to trial.
An Omaha personal injury lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law will handle correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf. We will help you avoid mistakes that could reduce your final payout or prevent you from recovering any compensation at all. Call 1-800-471-4100 to discuss your case with a car accident attorney in Nebraska.
