Car accidents can occur suddenly and without warning, leaving victims confused and unsure of their next steps. While the moments immediately following an accident can be overwhelming, the actions you take during this challenging time may significantly impact your case. For example, photos of your accident and injuries at the scene of the accident can serve as essential evidence and may help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages.
At Benchmark Injury Law, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys and case managers is committed to fighting for our client’s rights in California. Our top-notch personal injury attorney, Shaun Phillips, has dedicated his career to fighting for his client’s rights and interests. When you retain his services, you can trust him to use his experience and skill to help you pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
How Can Photos of Your Accident Help Strengthen Your Claim?
Photographic evidence can be incredibly beneficial when proving fault, a.k.a. legal responsibility, in a car accident claim. Although you may be sure that the other driver was at fault, you will need evidence to prove your case, especially if the other party denies fault – a very common experience for car accident victims. In many instances, the negligent driver may even attempt to claim that you were at fault for the accident. Photos can help paint a clearer picture of the accident as well as establish liability and damages. Some of the many ways photos can strengthen your claim include the following:
- Show the extent of your vehicle’s damage immediately following the accident
- Show the extent of your injuries when the accident occurred
- Evidence of causation, such as skid marks or open alcohol containers
- Establish who witnessed the accident
Your attorney will analyze your photos to determine causation, liability, and which damages you may be eligible to recover.
What Should I Take Photos of After My Accident?
Given that photos can be used as significant evidence in your claim, it is essential to photograph the right things. However, if you have never been in a serious accident, you may be unsure of which photos to take. It may be helpful to save the list below to help guide you in the event of an accident:
- Damage to both vehicles
- Your injuries
- Any skid marks or road markings
- Debris from the accident, such as shattered glass or fallen bumpers
- The interiors of both vehicles
- Any traffic lights or signs
- Traffic or other security cameras that may have footage of the accident
- Road conditions such as inclement weather or construction hazards
If there were witnesses to your accident, it might also be helpful to take their photos to establish their presence at the scene. However, asking permission and obtaining consent before photographing others is essential. It is also important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other pieces of evidence may be worth photographing at the accident scene. Use your best judgment, and when in doubt, photograph everything you can.
Consult a First-Class Car Accident Attorney at Benchmark Injury Law
If you have suffered injuries in a California car accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. At Benchmark Injury Law, our team of personal injury attorneys and case managers is dedicated to keeping your best interests in mind as the team fights tirelessly for your rights and interests. We take a unique, values-based approach to every case and are committed to forming strong relationships with our clients so we can understand and address their most important needs.
To learn more about how we can help you and schedule a complimentary consultation, call us today at (949) 504-9031 or complete our contact form.
