When you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is vital that you can provide an accurate depiction of the accident scene to support any claim for compensation. The more detailed evidence you are able to provide, the stronger your claim will be. With the widespread use of smartphones and other handheld technologies that are equipped with cameras, taking photos after an accident can be an effective tool for collecting evidence. With these devices, it is important to know which photos can help strengthen your case. There are certain pieces of evidence that more clearly establishes liability, and the right photos can make a big difference in your injury case.
After your accident, you should immediately bring your photos to an experienced lawyer to help evaluate your claim and determine what your next step in your case should be. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., P.C., we have highly skilled injury attorneys who can help analyze the evidence from your accident and protect your right to compensation for your injuries.
Call our firm today at (312) 236-2900 to discuss your claim with one of our attorneys.
Before taking any photos, you should ensure the safety of everyone involved and that the police have been called to the scene. Then, you should first take wide-angle photos of the entire scene of the accident. This will provide a general depiction of how the vehicles look in relation to the road and the surroundings. This can also show the road and weather conditions at the accident scene. This wide-angle photograph will set the stage for more detailed photographic evidence.
Next, you should take focused shots of the road that shows the condition of the road and the skid marks that may be present. The length and width of skid marks can identify which driver tried to jam his or her brakes before impact and the direction a vehicle was going before and after braking. It will also show the position of the car before it started braking and how far it was from the other vehicle at that point in time.
Traffic signs are important indicators of liability and can help determine where the fault lies. These photos can help show whether someone failed to obey a traffic sign. You should include photos of any traffic lights, stop or yield signs, street markings, and others. Importantly, you should take a photo of the signs from different angles and, if possible, with the vehicles involved to show each vehicle’s relative position from the sign since visibility may be an issue that will later come up in the case.
You need multiple photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. These photos should include a wide photo that shows their relative distance and position from each other, as well as their position on the road in relation to any traffic signs or road markings. You should also take close-up photos of the condition of the vehicles and the site of the impact, including photos all around the vehicle to document all the damage that. Additionally, any debris from the vehicles present in the area should also be photographed, including where the debris is located and how far it is from the vehicle at the time. Also, ensure that you have photographs of all identifying information (license plates, VIN numbers, etc.) located on the vehicles.
Finally, you will need photos of all the individuals involved, including the drivers and passengers. Additionally, ensure that your photos of the scene include photos of any witnesses present as this may help you identify individuals who can provide eyewitness testimony of the accident. You should document the physical condition of the people involved in the accident, including photos of injuries sustained. While these photographs may be graphic, they will help provide real-time evidence of injuries for use later on in the case.
Filing a car accident claim is a complex undertaking that involves a lot of rules, procedures, and dealings with parties such as attorneys and insurance companies. Even with extensive evidence at your disposal, you need an experienced attorney who can help you piece everything together and present a story that supports your claim.
An injury attorney can help you investigate your claim further and collect more documentation that can make your case stronger. The attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. have decades of combined experience in personal injury law and can help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
