Collect Your Own Evidence Before Leaving the Accident Scene
Like most people, you probably have a smartphone with you most of the time–including when you’re out on your motorcycle. In the aftermath of an accident, you’ll want to get out your phone if possible. It’s the perfect opportunity to collect photographic evidence that could come very much in handy later.
Tips for Collecting Photographic Evidence with Your Phone
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your first priority should be ensuring that you and any passengers involved are okay. Next, you should contact the authorities. You may think it’s fine to let them handle the evidence collection, but it’s in your best interests to do some of that yourself, too. Get out your phone and get to work. A few tips to keep in mind include:
Photograph the Entire Scene – Be as thorough as possible while snapping photos. Something may not seem important, but it could turn out to be very significant later. This will make it easier to piece together what happened during the accident.
Focus on Details – After taking photos of the overall scene, zero in on specific details. When doing so, take photos from many different angles. There’s no telling what will turn out to be important.
Zero in on Evidence of the Accident – If there are skid marks, strewn debris, tire tracks or other clear evidence of the accident, photograph them extensively. Be on the lookout for damaged signs, trees, poles and other objects too. Whatever you do, don’t move anything. Police will still arrive to investigate, and everything should be left exactly as it was after the crash.
Take Photos of the Vehicles – Even if your car or motorcycle isn’t damaged, take plenty of photos of it. If damage is present, take close-up shots of it. Make sure to get photos of any other vehicles that were involved too.
Photograph Injuries – If you, your passengers or anyone else was injured–even if only slightly–take photos of the injuries, if possible, at the scene and at the hospital. Also, take pictures of any bruising, abrasions, etc. that may appear over the next few days.
Give Photos to Police, if Needed, and to an Accident Attorney
You will want to save copies of your photos for a couple of reasons. You may need to give them to the police if there is some question that the other driver is not responsible for your accident. In addition, as an auto and motorcycle accident lawyer I know that it can be very beneficial to your case if I can show the insurance company photos of the scene, the damaged vehicles and your injuries. Collecting photographic evidence can help protect your rights.
Contact us now if you have been injured in an auto accident or motorcycle accident and want to discuss your rights. . The consultation is always free. I will also travel to meet you in at a location in North Carolina that is convenient to where you live.