One mistake that people sometimes make after a car accident is failing to take any pictures or videos of the scene. They simply move their car out of the way, and then they file a police report. But later, the other driver tells an entirely different story about how the accident occurred, and they have no evidence to back up their position.
To that end, while you certainly should focus on contacting the authorities and seeking medical attention, it can be helpful to take pictures at the scene. Here are a few different things to keep in mind.
Photograph the crash scene itself
Start by taking a picture of the scene before you even move your car. The position of the cars in the road can tell investigators a lot about who was at fault or who caused the accident.
Photograph injuries and damage
Next, take detailed shots that include injuries you’ve suffered or specific damage to the vehicle. This helps connect those injuries and damages to the specific accident and show when they occurred.
Exchange important information
Your camera can also be helpful for simply exchanging information. You could take pictures of the other person’s driver’s license, license plate and insurance paperwork.
Take multiple shots
Finally, take as many photos as you can of the scene. Try to get different angles. Take some with the flash and some without. Take them from different positions or different distances. The more information you have, the better.
Gathering information at the scene can be very helpful, but it is just one of the first steps to take when seeking financial compensation. Be sure you know what legal options you have moving forward.