Car accidents are horrifying. As much as we wish not to be parties to them, they are inevitable, and anyone can be a victim of a car accident especially in Orlando. As such, it is not a bad idea to take measures that may be useful after a car accident.
You may be eligible for financial compensation in case another party inflicts injuries on you in a car accident. However, to lodge a successful claim, you’ll need to gather vital evidence pertaining to the accident.
We advise that you take photographic and video evidence of the accident to aid your defense, especially in cases of legal damages.
4 Helpful Tips About Gathering Photographic Evidence of a Car Crash
Photographic and video footage of a car accident can give a conclusive and impartial account of the events that happened just before and after the car crash.
Following the guidelines below will ensure that you get excellent photos and videos that could be vital in defending your case.
Take Numerous Photos
By taking numerous photos, you will be able to capture every detail of an accident that would otherwise be overlooked.
Most cell phones have cameras. You should use your cellphone to take photos of the accident as soon as possible before someone tampers with the scene. Suppose you are too hurt to take photos, ask an eyewitness or bystander to take photos of the scene of the accident for your later use.
Capture Different Perspectives
Capturing photos from different vantage points and angles could give your car accident attorney strong grounds on which to defend your case.
Taking photos from the following angles is recommended:
- Close-up pictures that show the gravity of property damage and personal injuries caused by the accident.
- Wide-angle pictures that clearly capture the accident’s surroundings, and elements that may have contributed to the crash, including traffic signs, light sources, road hazards, and obstructions. Remember to include a common landmark in each of the images when taking your photos.
- Panoramic pictures that provide a 360-degree view of the accident scene, including the placement of the vehicle, passengers and drivers, witnesses, all corners of the vehicle, and the crash site.
Photograph Everything and Everyone
Try to photograph as many details as possible. However, be mindful of the sensitivity of all the parties involved. Your photographs should include the images of the following:
- Vehicle Damage: Take an image of your vehicle and that of the other vehicle involved in the accident.
- Injuries: Ensure you capture all the images of the injuries you suffered from the accident. If there are any changes to your injuries such as the development of swells, bruises, or infections, make sure you take a photograph of them too.
- Vehicle interiors: The images of your vehicle could be the key to determining what caused the accident. Take photos of headsets, cell phones, bottles, drugs, paraphernalia, and speed detectors.
- Vehicle identifiers: Take photos of the other car’s make, model, and number plate.
- Surroundings: The pictures of the surroundings will help to restructure the accident and determine who is at fault. The photo should cover traffic signs, traffic lights, intersection markings, trees, landscapes, and road hazards.
Ensure you take pictures of those injured after medical help has been rendered to them. However, be watchful so that you don’t bump into oncoming cars. Also, ensure you don’t interfere with police or the emergency services personnel.
Use Dashcam Video
Dash cams are popular in Florida. Suppose your car doesn’t have a dashcam, ensure you get it installed soon as it may be a vital source of evidence in car accidents.
Most dash cams can record both audio and video of the happenings inside and outside of the car. Dashcams can record essential information like traffic and environmental conditions. These cams can also capture potential causes of the accident like recklessness driving.
In case you had a dash cam at the time of the accident, consult your car crash lawyer on whether the footage could be helpful or admissible in your car accident case.
How an Orlando Attorney Can Help
How you react after a car accident will greatly affect whether your claim for damages will be successful or not.
When you seek the services of a seasoned Orlando car accident attorney, they will carry out extensive investigation and gather facts that they will either use in the settlement process or in litigation. Adding photographic and video evidence to your car accident attorney’s arsenal will enable them to prepare an excellent and cohesive defense on your behalf.
While there is no debate about the vitality of taking photos after an accident, knowing which photos will aid your defense is important. Contact our office today to learn how we will help you win your case.
