An Orlando car accident lawyer explains how photos can support your claim for compensation.
Car accidents and their aftermath are notoriously unpredictable. Even in crashes where it is obvious the other driver is at fault, many negligent motorists will deny responsibility. Too often, their insurance providers are happy to back them up by blaming the victim and denying or reducing their claim.
To get the compensation you deserve after a Central Florida car accident, you need evidence that the insurance company cannot ignore. Proof puts you on solid ground to push back against lowball settlement offers and demand the compensation you deserve.
Some of the most concrete evidence you can present to support your car accident claim are photos and videos of the crash scene. While this evidence may be available from sources such as dashcams, nearby security cameras, traffic surveillance equipment, and witnesses with cell phones - you can't count on it. That's why you should take your own crash site photos and video after a car accident, if possible.
There is no such thing as too many crash site photos. You never know which images will make your case. As long as you don't put yourself in harm's way and you're healthy enough to do so, take lots of pictures of the crash scene from multiple angles and distances. Also, take photos of the same things with and without using a camera flash to ensure you capture every important detail.
Have you already been injured in a Central Florida car accident? Whether you took photos or not, The Cerasa Law Firm LLC is here to help crash victims get the justice and financial compensation they deserve. If you were injured or a loved one died in a car accident, contact us for a free case consultation. We can find the facts that matter to your case and aggressively advocate for your best interests throughout the process.
8 types of photos you should get after a car accident
- Vehicle position. For safety reasons and to keep traffic moving, vehicles in car accidents are often swiftly moved or towed from where they came to a rest after a collision. Vehicle crash position can reveal a lot about who is at fault in a crash. Therefore, take photos of vehicle positions as soon as possible after a car accident. If vehicles are moved before you can take a picture, taking photos of them is still worthwhile. Get up close and far away shots of impact points.
- Injuries. Some car accident injuries heal quickly but are still painful and deserve compensation. Get photos of your visible car accident injuries as soon as possible. Get pictures of other injured people, too, if possible. Like vehicle position, pictures of injuries can also provide clues about how the crash happened.
- Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, etc. Take photos of everyone involved in the accident. This includes drivers, passengers, and people outside vehicles who may have been hit, like pedestrians and cyclists. Sometimes, details like clothing, footwear, eyewear, hairstyle, head coverings, and other personal attributes can contribute to an accident.
- Property damage. Take photos of vehicle damage, but also get pictures of other property damage to fences, guardrails, lawns, medians, curbs, buildings, mailboxes, trees, utility poles, etc. Of course, capture images of things like broken glass and tire marks too.
- Roadway conditions. Did the accident happen in a work zone? Were there puddles or debris in the road? Was there a crosswalk? How was the lighting? What about weather conditions? Details like these and how roadways come together at intersections, roundabouts, and highway ramps can be important evidence in your case.
- Documents. Important information is typically shared at the crash site. While much of it will be recorded by the responding police officer, it's better not to rely solely on law enforcement for these critical details. Document the documents. Along with writing this information down, take photos of driver's licenses, registrations, license plates, and insurance details.
- Witnesses. Get photos of witnesses and any identifying information they are willing to share. Try to get a video of them stating what they saw, their name, contact information, and community of residence.
- Panoramic wide shot. A view of the entire scene can be convincing and expose details that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Many people are too injured after an accident to even think about taking photos of the crash scene. Your health and safety are the priority after a car accident, so never insist on taking pictures if it's unsafe or if you're injured. An experienced car accident lawyer can gather and preserve evidence for you. The sooner you contact an attorney after a crash, the faster they can get to the site, take photos, and request videos and pictures from other sources. At The Cerasa Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned in searching for evidence to support your case. We get to the bottom of what happened and negotiate aggressively for the results you deserve.
Contact The Cerasa Law Firm if you've been injured in an Orlando car accident.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a Central Florida car accident, contact The Cerasa Law Firm to see how our law firm can help you. A member of our team can help you understand how the law applies to your situation, estimate the value of your claim, and explain your compensation options. Don't delay. We are available to hear from you any time, day or night. Contact us right now to schedule your free case consultation.