Tips to get the best photos and videos to support your injury claim
No one ever plans to be in a car accident. But almost every driver experiences it at least once in their lifetime. That's why it's important to know what to do after a crash before it happens.
One step you can take after an accident to help your potential claim against the other driver is to take photos and videos of the crash.
A lot of evidence is frequently produced by car accidents, but much of it is only accessible for a very short period. Crashed cars and trucks are removed from the road. Witnesses keep moving. Physical evidence, like tire marks, fades with time.
Check out the following tips for taking the most effective photos and videos to support an insurance claim.
And remember: Romanow Law Group is here to help victims of western Pennsylvania car accidents. If you were injured or a loved one died in a crash, contact our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys for a free case consultation.
How to take car accident photos and videos
In Pennsylvania, you have the right to photograph and record the scene of the accident without asking the other driver's or anybody else's permission. In general, as long as you don't interfere with the police's work, it is completely fine to film them.
If you get in an accident, and your health and safety allow for it, keep these tips in mind while taking photos and video at the scene.
- Don't wait. Start filming and snapping pictures as soon as you can. Before the impacted vehicles are taken off the road, shoot video and take images using your smartphone or cell phone.
- Multiple angles. Footage from different perspectives and distances can provide new details about the collision. Make sure to capture pictures and videos of the vehicles from all angles.
- Make no omissions. There is much more than just wrecked vehicles at crash sites. Therefore, focus on specifics such as impact points and property damage. Take footage of all people involved, any injuries, the state of the road, and any tangible evidence, such as skid marks and broken glass.
- Flashes. Specific details can be missed in photographs, even with the greatest phone. The amount of light can hide or reveal crucial features. Take the same pictures with and without a flash.
- The big picture. If you can, document the accident using photos and videos that depict the surrounding area, too. Ideally, you want to show the configuration of the roads, the weather, environmental factors like sand or puddles, and nearby objects and activities like detours and construction zones.
- Injuries. Take pictures and videos of your injuries as soon as possible because wounds and bruises can heal over time. If possible, get photos and videos of injuries sustained by other people involved in the crash.
- Document records. It is important to note and photograph driver's licenses, insurance policies, vehicle registrations, and the responding officer's badge number. This information will help you find more information and prove your case.
Find out how our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers can help you.
The Romanow Law Group's car accident attorneys are skilled in conducting thorough crash investigations that turn up critical evidence. Whether you recorded images and videos of the accident or not, we can help.
If you were injured or are the loved one of a fatal car accident victim, contact us for a free case consultation to find out how our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers can assist you. We are available to hear from you right now. Contact us today.