Things to Remember When Photographing a Crash Scene

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on February 10, 2014

It was only a few years ago that motorists were encouraged to keep a disposal camera in their glove box in case they were ever involved in an accident. Now, just about every Seattle motorist has camera function on his or her cell phone. This means that a significant number of motorists now have the ability to photograph the damage to their vehicles immediately after a crash. Ideally, this will lead to more transparency and fewer arguments between motorists and insurance providers.

When taking photos of a crash scene, it is advisable to heed the following:

• Start from far away. Walk several feet away from the wreckage so you can see the entire scene of the crash as well as the surrounding area. Take these types of photos from a number of different angles. You never know which shot will help your claim. If you only take close-up shots of your car, you may miss other details, such as a broken traffic light or a large pothole, which may have caused or contributed to the crash.
• Every detail is important. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as skid marks, property damage, and road damage. You should capture these details from far away as well as from up close.
• Take photos of the damage to the inside of your car. Pay special attention to any parts that may be damaged. If you were hurt in the crash and began to bleed, photograph the bloodstains in your car as well as on your clothes. As gruesome as this may sound, this type of evidence could help significantly bolster your claim.
• Don’t forget your damaged items. If you had items in your car that were damaged, photograph them as well.
• Take photos of your injuries. Photograph your injuries and continue to take photos of yourself during the healing process.

You never know what piece of evidence will ultimately help you get the support you need. Getting detailed photographic evidence from the crash site can only help strengthen your claim. It is also advisable to contact a Seattle car accident lawyer who will provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.