A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words
We’ve all heard the adage, “A Picture’s Worth A Thousand Words.” It resonates with vacations, childhood memories and family celebrations, telling the stories of time. A picture can be looked upon again and again to help recreate a moment and elicit past thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In similar proportions, a picture can help in the event of an accident.
With a camera, one can capture an image that lasts forever. In the unfortunate event of a motor vehicle accident, pictures can document and depict an accident and help determine liability. Police departments, insurance companies, and law firms will want to see photographs when determining negligence. By taking pictures immediately following an accident you can help set the story straight right from the start.
Many cell phones today have built in cameras, and disposable cameras can be found in nearly every convenience store. It is recommended to keep a camera handy in the event of emergency, and by storing a camera in your glove box, your preparedness and attention to detail could pay dividends down the road.
In addition to photographs of the accident scene, victims of accidents should document all injuries suffered and continue to do so throughout their recovery period. If you, a loved one, or another person involved in an accident is seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately. Once injured persons have been put in the hands of medical professionals you can continue to document the event.
As personal injury attorneys, we see firsthand the results of accidents on a daily basis. In our ongoing attempt to educate Mainers about personal injury and Social Security Disability law, we would like to pass along the following tips on how to document a motor vehicle accident with a camera:
- Take pictures of all vehicles involved and the ensuing damage caused by the accident. Be sure to take pictures of where the vehicles came to rest before being moved for safety. Once moved, determination of where the car laid is left up to accident reconstruction and/or the police officer’s word.
- Take pictures of nearby road signs, cross streets, mile markers, speed limit signs, and the path you and the other vehicles were travelling at the time of the accident.
- Take pictures of all road conditions that may have been a factor in causing the accident. Also, be sure to take pictures of skid marks or debris left on the road.
- Take pictures of all injuries suffered. If someone needs medical attention, make this the top priority before documenting injuries.
- Take pictures from various angles and distances to capture a complete perspective of the accident scene.
In addition to liability, insurance companies often try to deny the severity of accidents and injuries. By documenting as much information and evidence as you can, you will not only help the assisting police department, you will also help your own claim.
For more information on how to prepare for an accident and what to do after having been in one, please call us at 1-800-772-4624 and one of our legal professionals will be happy to speak with you confidentially. Or, visit us online anytime at: www.joebornstein.com.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Helping Maine People
