How-To Guide for Taking Photos After an Accident For Insurance

When you’ve been involved in a car accident in Missouri, you’ll have to file an insurance claim against the driver who caused the collision to receive compensation for related costs.

Submitting photographic evidence to support your claim can ensure you receive the amount you’re due for your injuries and property damage. The following how-to guide offers tips for taking photos after an accident that your attorney at Cofman Townsley can use to file your claim and get a fair settlement.

Get Accident Scene Photos from Every Angle

Capture images from every angle to provide a comprehensive view of the damage. This includes capturing the damage to all vehicles involved, the road conditions, and relevant details such as skid marks, traffic signals, and road signs.

Taking photos from different angles gives an accurate representation of the accident and serves as strong evidence in the insurance claims process. Take close-up shots of specific damage, like dents or a cracked windshield, and document the scene in an organized manner. This ensures you capture relevant information and helps provide a clear picture of the event for the insurance company.

Capture Photos of the Surrounding Area

Immediately after the accident, once you have confirmed that everyone is safe, take photos of the surrounding area. These photos help your claim by providing context for the accident and potentially capturing factors that influenced the crash.

Take pictures of the following elements that may be in the vicinity of the crash scene:

• Traffic lights. Traffic lights may help explain how the accident occurred. Take pictures of nearby lights, including the signal itself and its post, especially if it is malfunctioning.
• Road signs. Photographing road signs, such as yield or stop signs, proves who had the right of way.
• Weather and road conditions. Weather conditions, such as rain, fog, ice, or snow, can factor into the claim and prove that visibility was limited.
• Damaged guardrails, trees, or telephone polls. Damage to other structures can help prove what occurred during the crash, such as the vehicle’s speed or trajectory.
• Skid marks. Take photos of both sides of skid marks on the road, as they can help prove the speed of the vehicles.
• Time and date of the accident. Take a picture of the time and date on your car’s display, or screenshot it on your phone to show when you took the photos and when the accident occurred, as the scene will be cleared of evidence after the crash.

Get Images of People at the Scene

Document the presence of anyone involved in the accident. These photos provide a visual record of who was present at the scene of the collision. Although you don’t need consent to take pictures on public roads, consider asking for permission before taking anyone’s photo and only take images relevant to the accident.

People you may consider photographing include:

• Other drivers and passengers. Take a picture of the other car’s driver, its passengers, and any passengers in your vehicle. This shows who is involved and provides a possible witness list for your attorney.
• Witnesses. If you notice any witnesses nearby, take a picture of where they are in relation to the incident to show what they may have observed.  
• Emergency responders. Take pictures of emergency responders at the scene, including name tags and vehicle numbers. This can help your attorney know who to contact for a witness statement and show the seriousness of your damages based on the treatment provided.
• Injuries. Photograph all injuries at the scene, including your own, if possible. While this may be difficult, having pictures of injuries immediately after they occur can show the extent of the harm you or your passengers suffered.

Photograph the Vehicles and License Plates

When taking photos for insurance after a collision, include images of the vehicles involved and their license plate numbers. This information streamlines the insurance process and can help prove property damage in your case.

• Your vehicle damage. Snap photos of any damage to your vehicle, including dents, scratches, tires, or broken windows. Ensure you get the inside of your car on camera, including deployed airbags, a broken dashboard, or damage to your seats.
• License plates. Take pictures of important documents like the other driver’s insurance information and driver’s license, as well as the license plates of any involved vehicles. Capture the state, license plate number, insurance tags, or other unique identifiers like a state inspection sticker.

Get Help With Your Car Accident Claim

If you have been in a car crash and are struggling to navigate the insurance claims process, contact the car accident attorneys at Cofman Townsley. Our experienced lawyers can help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

Taking the proper steps after an accident can make all the difference to the outcome of your claim. Contact our lawyers today to understand what evidence you need and how we can help get you the compensation you deserve.