You likely already know the importance of taking pictures of a car accident, but do you know all the images you should snap for your accident injury pictures file? The evidence accident photos show could help build your personal injury case. For more information about what to do after a crash, call our car accident lawyers Albany NY today.
The more you do to document the crash scene and gather evidence that supports your side, the better. There are some important steps to take after a car accident that’s not your fault.
What Should Your New York Accident Photos Capture?
Sense of scale
As you take pictures of scrapes, dents, and dings, think of ways to give a sense of scale. For instance, hold up a handy object like a key or coin. Something that looks large or small in a picture could turn out to be smaller or larger in reality.
It could also help to take images from various distances. Without risking oncoming traffic, position yourself at least 10 feet away from your vehicle and other objects that sustained damage in the incident before taking pictures. Then, take a few more pictures as you approach your vehicle.
Getting multiple angles
Takes images of the damaged vehicles sustained in the collision from several angles. Snap images from all four corners of the vehicles involved. You should also take pictures of fluids leaking from the vehicles.
Capture the surroundings
Because you do not have all the facts on what caused the wreck, take accident photos of the area surrounding the accident site. That means capturing the street, traffic signs, the weather, street signals, and marks the vehicles left on or in the road or dirt.
Document the interior
Once you finish taking exterior images, take a few inside your vehicle. Focus on shattered glass, deployed airbags, and other interior debris.
The right accident photos could help you secure legal damages after a car accident. Take steps to prove your case.
When to Take Accident Photos After a Car Accident
It is wise to photograph the scene anytime you find yourself involved in a crash that warrants exchanging information. It is also wise to do so even when you believe you might be at fault. The images you snap may provide evidence of other factors contributing to the crash, potentially reducing your liability.
Assessing safety should always be the first step following a car crash. Once you determine that there are no serious injuries, move forward with documenting the scene.