Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Boston or anywhere else in Massachusetts, it is crucial to document as much as you possibly can. This can be done by writing down witness statements and contact info, and by jotting down your own perceptions of the accident before your memory begins to fade. But nothing beats pictures. Once you’ve made sure that everyone involved in the accident is safe, grab your camera. Fortunately, most of today’s cell phones are equipped with cameras. For tips on how to take quality pictures, read on.
Use a Camera to Make Your Case
If the accident is serious, resulting in injuries and/or severe property damage, contact the local police before doing anything else. The next step, if you’re able, is to take pictures of the accident scene.
- The number one rule of photographing a car accident is to take as many pictures as possible from as many angles as possible. Pictures no longer need to be developed, so taking ‘too many pictures’ is not a concern.
- Although obvious damage to the car is important to photograph, there are other factors that may come into play. If there is any damage to surrounding property, such as other vehicles, fire hydrants, light poles, or mailboxes, snap away.
- Photograph contributing factors. Was the road icy or wet? Was a stop sign blocked by an overgrown tree or large truck? Did you swerve to miss large road debris that had fallen off another vehicle? If any contributing factors can be photographed they may help make your case.
More Specifics
The above tips give a general idea of how to photograph the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Here are some more specific tips to help you really hone in on what counts. Be sure to photograph:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Skid marks
- Vehicle parts and debris, such as shattered glass
- Weather conditions
- Visible bodily injuries on you, or other victims
And try different angles and distances
- Take pictures from at least three different distances and angles.
- Close up pictures: stand one to five feet from what you are photographing.
- Medium distance: 10 to 15 feet away.
- Long distance and panoramic: 20 or more feet away.
- Keep a common landmark in as many pictures as possible. This helps show distance and scale.
- Be aware of how weather conditions and direct sunlight affect your pictures. If necessary, use a variety of flash intensities, and take some with and without flash.
Photos can be utilized to prove you were not at fault in an accident. They can also be used to prove that someone else was. In combination with other documentation, such as written statements, and contact and insurance information, pictures can be immensely helpful to your case. If you were not at fault, good pictures can help increase your settlement.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured in an auto accident, we can help. The skilled car accident team at Altman & Altman, LLP has an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, transportation costs, and more. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
