TerjemahanIf you want to recover compensation after being injured in a serious car accident, then you’re going to need evidence to support a personal injury lawsuit. While you’ll certainly want to secure your medical records and witness statements, these are only some of the building blocks of a successful claim. One aspect of your case that you can’t afford to overlook is photographic evidence.
A picture really is worth a thousand words in a car accident case. After all, you’ll likely be trying to convince a jury that the defendant should be held liable for the harm caused to you. The Photographic evidence can appeal to the emotional nature of these cases, thereby having an extensive persuasive effect on members of the jury.
But if you’re going to gather photographs to use in your personal injury case, you need to know how to capture them in a way that’ll be effective.
Tips for collecting photographic evidence
When gathering photographic evidence, you need to be as thorough as possible. This means taking pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Here are some tips that you can use to ensure that you’re being diligent in capturing what could be important in your case:
- Take pictures as soon after the wreck as possible: The condition of the accident scene can quickly change. Rain might wash away tire marks, and the police might have to move the vehicles to ensure that traffic can pass. If you don’t capture the accident scene soon after your wreck, then you might miss compelling evidence that would be valuable to your claim.
- Seek assistance: We know that your accident injuries might prevent you from immediately taking the pictures you need to support your personal injury claim. If that’s the case, then see if a family member or friend can assist you.
- Photograph the area surrounding the accident: While you’ll certainly want to take pictures of your car’s damage on the inside and out, capturing the area surrounding your wreck can also be helpful in your case. These pictures can clearly show nearby intersections, traffic signals, and traffic signs that may be implicated in your crash.
- Use differing angles: Taking minimal pictures of your accident scene could cause you to miss a crucial detail. By taking photos from various angles, though, you better ensure that you’ll have everything you need to truly capture the full extent of your wreck.
- Take pictures of witness contact information: With adrenaline pumping, it can be hard to transcribe witness contact information. To reduce the risk of error, have the witness write down their contact information and then take a picture of it.
- Capture your injuries: It may seem gruesome, but taking pictures of your injuries in their early stages can cause a visceral reaction with jurors. Remember, you’re trying to show the true extent of the harm caused to you, so don’t shy away from taking photographs of all your injuries.
What if you don’t have photographs?
While photographs can certainly buttress your case, they’re not necessarily a make-or-break piece of evidence. If you don’t have pictures, then continue to build your case around witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony. Just be mindful of what the law requires you to prove to succeed on your personal injury case, that way you can be targeted in the presentation of your evidence.
We know that navigating the legal arena after being injured in a crash can be tough. But do your best to keep your eye on the goal of imposing accountability and recovering compensation. By doing so, you’ll get through this tough time and find happiness in the next chapter of your life.
