Keep Your Phone Handy: Preserving Evidence After A Car Accident

January 18, 2020

Taking Photos After a Car Accident

In the aftermath of a car accident, things can seem chaotic. The first step, of course, is to make sure that no one involved in the collision needs emergency medical care, and to call the police to the scene to handle safety issues on the road or highway and start a report. One of the things you can do to be proactive after a crash is to begin taking pictures of the accident scene. This preserve important evidence and can help you when negotiating with the at-fault party or their insurance company. Here are some tips to photographing important evidence in the aftermath of a car crash. 

The Equipment

Today, nearly everyone has a smartphone with a camera capable of taking high quality pictures in mere seconds. After you use your phone to call the cops, take a photo of the accident and any injuries. As a backup, it is a good idea to pack a small disposable camera in your car, ideally with an emergency kit that every vehicle operator should keep in their car or truck. You can buy these kits fully assembled, and they include tools like a jack, flares, emergency blankets, and first aid supplies in case something goes wrong. 

What Kind Of Pictures Do I Take?

Everything and anything you can. You never know what piece of evidence will be the key in turning a case around. Take pictures of all the cars involved, including license plates and focusing carefully on the damage that each vehicle has suffered. You will also want to take pictures of any road conditions that relate to the accident, such as any obstacles, and also make a note of any skid marks or adverse weather conditions that contributed to the collision. The best time to record all of this information is immediately after the accident. As time passes, police will collect evidence and move vehicles and work crews will clean up debris, which can clear away valuable evidence.

Other Notes

Of course, if you are able to physically pick up evidence helpful for your case, you should absolutely do it. Faulty car parts, for example, are a vital piece of physical evidence. But as stated above, this is not always possible. Another important evidentiary issue has to do with medical treatment received after the crash. Keeping detailed records of what kinds of treatment you received as well as what therapies you will need in the future can save you a lot of heartache dealing with stingy insurance companies. If you have questions about which steps you should take after being injured in a car accident, call an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney to help guide you through the process. They can be your advocate dealing with the insurance companies and can advise you on what is the best approach to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey Today!

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in a car crash in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive New Jersey personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Hoyt and Hoyt, PC represent clients in Morris and Middlesex counties, and throughout New Jersey. Call 973-292-2299 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 67 E Park Pl, Morristown, NJ 07960, as well as an office at 315 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.