Preserving evidence can be a major concern after a car accident, especially when winter weather threatens the accident scene. Immediately contacting an attorney, who will be able to assess your accident and determine what photos are needed in the course of their investigation, is the best course of action. However, you may still need to take a few pictures immediately, before cleanup efforts or weather alters the accident scene so that some photographic evidence cannot be recreated.
Remember to only go about taking pictures if it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself in further danger, and if you are hurt, seek immediate medical attention. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better chance you have of preserving critical evidence.
What Should I Take Pictures of After a Car Crash?
Timing is everything after a motor vehicle accident. The evidence that needs to be photographed right away is the evidence that cannot be recreated later. If you can safely do so, try to photograph:
- Debris – Accident debris, like broken glass or pieces of a bumper, is likely to be swept off the road rather quickly, often within hours of a crash.
- Skid marks – These may disappear under snow and ice, or simply fade after being driven over by other vehicles.
- Road conditions – If ice, objects in the road, or other hazards contributed to your accident, you may want a record of how the road appeared at the time. Even if the road conditions are fine, it may be a good idea to snap a few photos so the other cannot later claim that a non-existent hazard caused the crash.
- Relevant hazards – Anything else that may have contributed to the accident should be photographed. For example, if a stop sign was partially concealed by a tree, it may be wise to take a photo in case the tree is promptly trimmed.
- Damaged vehicles – Photographing the condition of and damage to both vehicles immediately preserves important evidence in case the other driver begins making repairs right away.
- Overview – If you can, take photos from four corners around the accident scene. This can later help your attorney reconstruct how the accident may have happened.
Aside from seeking needed medical care, contacting an attorney promptly is still the most important priority after an accident. A lawyer who has experience with car crash cases will know what specific pictures may be needed of your particular accident.
Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. Our experienced Green Bay car accident attorneys can put you on the path to recovering any compensation you may be entitled to. Call us at 920-739-7366 to arrange a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.stateauto.com/uploadedfiles/Content/pdfs/TB-F7-0316-NW.pdf