Your brain is likely going a million different directions after a car accident in Michigan. After sustaining the effects of the crash and determining who else is injured, you might be wondering what to do next. Simple steps include calling the police and moving to a safe location. While it might be hard to remember amid all the chaos, taking photos of the crash and any injuries will also be crucial in your personal injury claim.
For your best chance at receiving a fair settlement for your injuries and damages, you should contact a Michigan car accident attorney. They may be able to use the photos as evidence and handle all negotiations with the insurance company.
What Should I Take Pictures of after a Car Accident?
Following a car accident, you should take pictures of anything that might be important to your case. This can include:
- Road debris
- Marks on the road, such as tire skids
- Vehicle damage
- The inside of your car
- Injuries
- Position of vehicles
- Traffic signs and signals
- Other property damage
This is not an all-encompassing list—just what will help the most. When in doubt, take photos of everything from multiple angles.
Why Are Pictures Important to a Car Accident Case in Michigan?
Taking photos is one of the most important things you can do to help your case. They can show physical damage to your vehicle, help determine causation, and prove your injuries.
Photographs Will Show Property Damage
The photos you take will show the extent of damage to your vehicle. When taking pictures, you should also put a time stamp on the image to prove the date and time. If you do not take any pictures, an insurance representative might question whether the accident caused damage.
Pictures Might Prove Liability
Taking photos might prove who was responsible for the crash. Skid marks on the road could indicate a vehicle was traveling too fast, and damage to one side of the car can show a point of collision.
Take Photos to Document Injuries
In addition to taking pictures of the vehicles and debris in the surrounding area, you should photograph any injuries you or a passenger sustained. This includes bruises, cuts, and scrapes. While they might seem minor, you should have a doctor examine injuries, as they might be a sign of more serious internal damage.
When Should I Take Photos of a Car Accident?
The best time to take photos of a car accident is right after the crash. If you’re not suffering from severe injuries and are in a safe location, use the time waiting for police to arrive by taking pictures. If you wait too long to document the scene, the evidence can change. For example, roadside debris and skid marks might be cleaned up before you can photograph them.
What If I’m Too Injured to Take Photos?
In some cases, you might not be in a fit state to take photos of the collision. If that happens, try to have a passenger take the pictures for you. You can also see if a family member or close friend is nearby to document the accident. If no one is with you and you can’t reach a family member, you should take pictures of your injuries and any images from your location. Even if the photos you take are far away, it’s still better than having no documentation at all after the crash.
Contact the Skilled Auto Accident Attorneys at Michigan Legal Center
Once you have the photos from your car accident, you might not know what to do with them. That’s where the attorneys at the Michigan Legal Center come in. Our auto accident attorneys may be able to use those photos to help prove your injuries and damages to insurance companies and fight for you to receive financial compensation.
To schedule a free consultation, call 1 (800) 961-8447 or complete our contact form.