When filing a personal injury lawsuit for a car accident, you will need to provide proof. One of the best ways to do this is by taking photos of the scene of the accident. Continue reading and reach out to our skilled Monmouth County car accident attorneys.
Why should I take photos after a New Jersey car accident?
The Scene of the Accident
Take plenty of pictures of the road and weather conditions, traffic signals and signs, and general roadway design. Keep an eye out for tire skid marks, broken glass, or other things left on the pavement. Sometimes visibility is a crucial component in a car accident, so look into large objects that may have blocked drivers’ view of the road. If there’s a possible argument about the color of the traffic light (i.e. red light versus green light), make a video that shows the timing of the lights at the intersection for all directions of the road.
All Cars Involved
You will want to note that photos should be taken of all of the cars that were involved in the accident, even if there is no harm to one of them. The photos will be beneficial in interpreting the cars involved (license plate, make, model, color). Property damage to the cars should also be captured. If safety permits, take pictures before the cars are moved. Take as many photos as you can and be sure you also get shots close-up and from a distance. This is important to decide the location of impact, the force of collision speed of travel, and direction of movement. Take photos of the front windshield of the other drivers’ cars. Sometimes something is suspended from the rearview mirror that blocks their view of the road.
Physical Injuries
The majority of the time, injuries will slowly heal over time, so you should take pictures right after an accident. Photos of your injuries will help others decide your physical condition after the car accident. In some circumstances, your medical doctor will prescribe the use of devices such as an arm sling, cervical collar, walker, etc. Take photos of these devices and, if you are able, keep these devices in a safe place even after they become excessive for your medical treatment. These devices may be used as proof supporting your claim.
Other Important Tips
Make sure you set your digital camera or cellphone so that the date (and, if you can, time) is in the photo. This will help determine the problem of having to remember when the picture was taken if asked later on. Also, back up your digital photographs by saving them onto a second hard drive, copying them onto a thumb drive, burning a copy onto a CD or DVD, and/or printing out the photographs. You will not want to risk losing these photographs because of defective electronics.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
To learn more about how we can help you after sustaining an injury due to no fault of your own, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or contact us online.
