Getting into a car accident can be incredibly terrifying for drivers and passengers. However, there are steps that a car accident victim can take at the scene of the crash and afterward to help improve their chances of receiving a fair settlement. Taking pictures of your injuries could be an important part of your settlement process.
Reasons Photographic Evidence is Important
You have likely heard that taking pictures in the aftermath of a car accident can boost the value of your insurance claim. The photographs of the accident scene can indeed help with a car accident case, but many people do not think about taking photographs of their injuries.
These photographs will be helpful when the insurance adjuster is making their settlement decision. Photographs can also help in courtrooms during a personal injury trial. While your injuries will heal over time, photographs will stay the same. A photograph presents credible and persuasive evidence in your case.
How to Photograph Your Injuries
After you have received any medical attention for an immediate emergency, get out your phone or other camera device and take pictures of your injuries. If possible, do this at the scene of the accident along with other photographs you take. If you are not able to take the photos, ask someone on the scene to do it for you. Some tips for taking photographs of your injuries include:
- Take many photos of each injury
- Take the photos at varying angles and distances (close up and farther away)
Your job of photographing the injuries is not done at the accident scene. You should take pictures of your injuries throughout the recovery process and from the same angles and distances as the original photos. If you had to have surgery or any other medical intervention, take photographs of that as well.
Other Photos to Take
While at the scene of a crash, other photos you can take can include:
- Damage to the vehicles
- Vehicle positions
- Crash debris such as broken glass or car parts
- Roadside damage to guardrails, signs, or the road shoulder
- Weather conditions
Avoid Posting Them on Social Media
We are so accustomed to sharing our lives through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and more. We want to stress how important that is for you not to upload and share any pictures from the accident scene through social media. Insurance adjusters and attorneys will scour your posts in order to help their clients. They know ways to get around privacy settings.
Other Forms of Evidence
Other forms of evidence that can be used to help your car accident case can include:
- The police report
- Eyewitness statements from those at the scene
- Your medical records
- Medical expert witness testimony
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Speak with a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or somebody you love has been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of another person, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, we are going to get to work investigating your case immediately so we can secure any compensation you are entitled to. This can include the following:
- Coverage of your medical bills related to the incident
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent party
If you need a Charleston personal injury lawyer, you can contact us for a free case evaluation by clicking here or calling (304) 720-6700.