There were 5,317 car accidents that occurred in 2022. These accidents resulted in about 59,400 injuries and over 1,000 deaths. Being involved in a car accident can leave you disoriented and in a state of shock, particularly if you are seriously injured. Under these conditions, it may not occur to you to take pictures of the scene. However, if you intend to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation, the actions you take immediately following a car accident are critical. Having pictures that document your injuries and property damage can make a world of difference between a successful insurance claim and an unsuccessful one. Fortunately, the experienced Virginia Beach car accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Why Are Pictures So Important After a Car Accident?
When you pursue a claim for financial compensation against the at-fault driver, photos of the scene can serve as crucial evidence for a number of reasons. They can:
- Document vehicle damage: Documenting any damage done to your vehicle as well as any other personal property can help demonstrate the severity of the accident.
- Confirm how the accident happened: Pictures of the accident scene can also be used to show what took place in the moments before and during a car accident. This can help prove who is liable for the crash.
- Document your injuries: Documenting any visible injuries will prove document that they were caused by the accident.
What Should I Photograph?
You should take as many pictures as you can of absolutely everything. Important details you can document by taking videos or pictures include:
- Damage to the vehicles involved
- Damage to any property in the area, such as benches, guardrails, signposts, fences, or mailboxes
- The inside of your car, including broken windows and deployed airbags
- Any vehicle wreckage in or near the roadway
- Any fluid spills or skid marks
- Traffic signals and road signage in the area
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Traffic conditions
- Visual obstructions
- Roadway conditions
- Visible injuries
Take as many pictures as you can of each of these from multiple angles. Try to capture as much detail as you possibly can.
When Should I Take Pictures of the Accident Scene?
Ideally, you would take these photos immediately after the accident happens. If your injuries are mild enough and you can walk around the scene safely, you should use your phone to take immediate pictures. If you are badly injured and unable to take pictures or video, contact a friend, family member, or your car accident lawyer and ask them to come to the scene and take the pictures for you.
The longer you wait to take pictures, the higher the chance that vital evidence will be lost or destroyed. The cars will be moved, wreckage from the collision cleared away, damaged property can be repaired or replaced, and road use and weather will gradually erase any spills, skid marks, and other indications of the collision.
How Can a Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney Help?
A Virginia Beach personal injury attorney area can help you collect fair compensation from the driver who caused your accident by:
- Investigating the accident, including taking pictures of the scene if you are not able to do so
- Studying the evidence to figure out how the accident happened and identify who was at fault
- Filing a claim with the insurance company and handling all necessary paperwork and communications on your behalf
- Negotiating a fair settlement that compensates you for all of your damages
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
If you were injured in a car accident in Virginia Beach, we are happy to discuss your rights and legal options and advise you on the best way to seek full and fair financial compensation, such as the $125,000 settlement we secured for this client. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today by calling (833) 997-1774 to schedule your free case review. We have offices located in Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Norfolk.