Pictures can be valuable evidence in support of your claim.
If you're in a car accident in Oklahoma (and you're healthy enough to do so), getting photographs at the crash scene is one of the most important steps you can take. Taking pictures of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries can be critical evidence if you decide to pursue a car accident claim.
At Lawter & Associates, Attorneys at Law PLLC, we recommend these 5 tips for taking pictures after a car accident. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash, contact us today to see how an experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer can help you.
1) Take photos of the damage
Photographs taken of the damage to all vehicles involved in an accident can be used as evidence in determining how the accident happened and who is at fault. If you can do so without putting yourself in harm's way, taking pictures of all property damage from different angles, with or without a flash, is important. Turning on the flash will help capture small details that may not be captured otherwise, and taking pictures from various angles will help provide the most complete and accurate depiction of the accident.
2) Get pictures of any visible injuries
Documenting your injuries after a car accident is essential. Photos will help provide an accurate visual record of your injuries before they start to heal and can make a massive difference in the compensation you receive from an insurance company. Take photos as soon as possible after the accident so that the images accurately reflect the extent of the injury. This can include pictures of bruises, cuts, scrapes, lacerations, and any clothing or jewelry damaged in the accident. Photos can also be helpful if you need to show any physical limitations due to your injuries. Make sure to store the images securely for future reference when filing an insurance claim.
3) Document the crash scene
Along with photographing any visible damage to the vehicles involved in the accident, it's also important to document any roadway construction or adverse weather conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Taking detailed photographs of the crash scene from different angles and viewpoints can help show the circumstances surrounding the accident and help determine liability. Be sure to take clear photos of all relevant details. The more pictures you take, the better — but again, don't put yourself in danger to take a better photo.
4) Take photos of any skid marks or debris
Skid marks can offer clues about the vehicles' speed, their braking patterns, and whether either car was sliding before or during the collision. Likewise, pictures of debris from the crash can help show the general location of the accident, even if the vehicles are moved out of the road.
5) Get pictures of important documents
Taking photographs of documents after a car accident can help ensure you have accurate information about the other driver(s), which is critical if you decide to pursue a claim for your losses. Instead of (or in addition to) writing down the other driver's information (driver's license, license plate, insurance information), you can take pictures to ensure you don't write down something incorrectly.
Talk to an Oklahoma car accident lawyer about your legal rights and options.
Photos can be vital when it comes to filing a successful car accident claim, but even if you weren't able to get photographs at the crash scene, a car accident lawyer can still help you build a strong case for the compensation you deserve. The sooner you have an attorney to start an investigation, the better.
Working with a knowledgeable attorney who understands Oklahoma law and is experienced in dealing with insurance companies can be invaluable in getting the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses related to the accident.
Since 1974, the car accident lawyers at Lawter & Associates have been fighting for the rights of injured crash victims. We know what it takes to win in Oklahoma, and we would be honored to talk to you about your potential legal case.
If you were injured or a loved one died in an Oklahoma car accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our offices are in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and we proudly represent clients throughout the state.