The Importance of Taking Photographs at the Scene: A Guide

In the accident scene, one needs to be mindful on the things that will help him in the future. Like the taking of detailed photographs in the scene, which is the most important precautionary step any reasonable person will take under specific circumstance. Especially when there is no witnesses around, it is important to have detailed photographs of the accident site surrounding the wrecked vehicles. This will help the authorities determine who is at fault. However, in the case of vehicular collisions, it is hard to determine who is really at fault. Thus, contributory negligence may be applied in this type of circumstance.

How photographs could become a solid evidence in proving who is at fault in your case? Find out why. 

Do photographs really help in proving negligence?

Yes, indeed. Raw photographs of the accident location and the surrounding area are the best and effective proofs to preserve evidences. The photographs are very handy, easy to present to the car insurance companies as evidence of accident. They also serve as a big help in the case of personal injury lawsuits. The photos can help in distinguishing who is really at fault, how much the damage will be, the driving condition, position of the cars, as well as the point of collision. The photos will also help you provide detailed explanation about how the accident happen by referring to the photos as a guide. 

What camera should you use?

It could be your smart phone camera, digital camera, iPad or any devices that contain camera in it. Remember this is not a photography contest. You don't need to bring along with you a long barreled digital single-lens reflex camera or DSLR everytime you are out or on the road. The camera from a cellphone is already an excellent device to record the positions and damages of the vehicles. Make sure that you also enabled the date or time feature in the camera you are using. 

What are you going to photograph?

You must take photos on the details. Take as many photos as you can focusing on the details as you might not know what detail of the accident is beneficial to your case. So, the more photographs you took, the greater chance of helping yourself out of the situation. The following are the most suggested details where you need to focus onto:

• Focus on taking photographs on your own vehicle and the damage it sustained in the accident.
• Take photos on the other vehicle involved in the accident.
• Take photos on any slide marks or scratches.
• The broken parts or damaged portion of the vehicle such as the glass pieces in the wind shields or windows, debris, etc.
• the kind of road condition.
• The injuries sustained by the two drivers and their passengers.
• The road design, landmarks, traffic signs and devices.
• The license plates of both cars and the VIN numbers.
• Interior of the vehicles for any interior damages.

What photography style or precaution should you take?

• Take pictures from the opposite sides of the roads, angles and distances. It is important to take vast kinds of photographs including the short ranged photos, medium and panoramic ranges.
• You may also take photographs of the other vehicle when you already granted their consent to do so. When you take photos without their consent, it will endanger you later when things go worse. 
• Select a distinct landmark while taking the whole area of the accident scene. This will help the authorities identify that indeed the accident was happened right here or right there.
• Never remove any piece from the accident scene. Every debris represent important details. 
• Call the police and inform them about the accident.

Make sure you inform the authorities that there is an injured person, if there's any, so that they may bring an emergency team to attend to the injured.