Guide to Accident Scene Photography

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to personal injury lawsuits and getting to the bottom of an accident, a few pictures can be worth much more than that. Pictures can be worth thousands of dollars. As always, your primary concern at the scene of an accident should be your health. Only attempt to take photographs of the accident if your health permits you to.

1) Photograph the scene

Start off by creating a clear picture of the scene of the accident. This means take wide shots. Don’t focus on the details yet. If your accident occurred in an intersection, take 20-30 steps back to get pictures which capture the entire intersection

2) Document the damage

Take clear picture of all the damage that occurred in the accident, not just the vehicle. If one car hit a light post, document the damage to the light post as well. This pictures not only clearly establish the consequences of the accident, they can also help show exactly how the accident occurred.

3) Show relevant traffic signs

Take pictures of any relevant traffic signs. Don’t forget to include context. If one of the drivers ran a stop sign, photograph the stop sign itself and show how it relates to the intersection. Include other traffic signs such as yield signs or speed limit signs.

4) Look for associated details

Photograph anything else that may be linked to the accident. Take pictures of any puddles, patches of ice, or other extremal weather conditions which may have contributed to the accident. Likewise, take pictures of skid marks if they have been left behind. The length and breadth of skid marks can actually be used to determine the speed a car was moving, and establish when the car started breaking.