Every tort claim requires evidence of two main components in order to result in a settlement: liability and damages. Photographs of the accident scene can be used to prove both.

For example, pictures of skid marks may show that the at-fault driver was speeding. Photos of property damage and the positions of vehicles could be used to resolve conflicting reports about how the accident occurred. And pictures of your injuries can help prove causation and damages.

Fortunately, gathering evidence at the scene is one of the few tasks you will have to handle on your own. A car accident attorney from Gump & Faiella can interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and handle correspondence with the insurance company so you can focus on your health.

Our Missouri personal injury lawyers have more than 90 years of combined experience in legal practice. We have won several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in cases against large corporations and top insurance companies. Call 800-264-3455 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Read on to learn five tips to keep in mind when taking photos of an accident scene:

Most digital cameras and smartphones automatically timestamp every photo, but it’s a good idea to ensure this feature is enabled before taking pictures. The date and time of each photo could provide valuable insight into the chronology of events that took place before the collision.

After police arrive and start directing traffic around the wreck, it should be safe for you to take wide-angle photos that show the positions of vehicles, road conditions, weather conditions, and the intersection (if applicable). Don’t forget to take close-up shots of injuries, skid marks, and property damage.

Accident reconstruction experts often rely on skid marks to determine how fast a vehicle was traveling prior to impact. If there are any skid marks near the scene, make sure you photograph them from various angles.

For smaller details like skid marks and broken glass, it is helpful to provide a sense of scale. Place a coin, dollar bill, or other object near the subject prior to shooting it to demonstrate its relative size.

It’s easy to forget that the damage inside each vehicle is also part of the scene. Take pictures of any deployed airbags, stains, or scattered debris inside each vehicle.

Discuss Your Case with an Injury Attorney in Missouri Today!

If you were hurt in a collision with a reckless or negligent driver, contact Gump & Faiella to discuss your case. Our accident lawyers represent clients in Moberly, Columbia, and throughout Missouri. Call 800-264-3455 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation.

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