The Value of Photographs in an Injury Claim
When a person is injured in an accident, one of the most helpful things that person can do is take photographs.
There is an old saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words”. It refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image. This definitely applies to accident cases.
As attorneys, our job it to “tell your story” in a fashion that effectively communicates the hardship and damages suffered as a result of the negligence of the person who caused the injury. Photographs can be extremely helpful in doing just that.
In a car accident case for example, photographs of the accident scene, of the damage to the cars and of the roadways involved can be invaluable.
Many people now have “smart phones” which include cameras and even the ability to record video. This means that you may have at your fingertips the ability to capture a treasure trove of information.
When taking photographs or video, try to do so from a variety of angles. Include any traffic control items such as stop signs, crosswalks, traffic lights, left turn only lane signs, or anything else that can inform the viewer of the surroundings. Also, photograph any skid marks, broken glass, ruptured radiators, or debris in the street that may have broken off from the cars. Include photographs of any broken windows or air bags that may have deployed.
Your phone can hold lots of photographs, so take as many as possible. We will help identify which are the best to use for the case. Plus, the photographs that are not used may still be helpful in jogging your memory many months later.
If you are unable to take photographs at the scene, ask a friend or loved one to help you out. If you do not own a camera, you can simply buy an inexpensive disposable camera at any drugstore. (It’s a good idea to keep a camera in your glove box anyway if you do not own a phone with a camera).
If possible, turn on the “date feature” on your camera to create a record of the date and time you took the photos. If your camera does not have that feature, then print out the photos and on the back of them, write down the date, time and your initials.
Taking photographs may be the last thing on the mind of someone who has just been in an accident. Having the presence of mind to do so however can make an enormous difference in the outcome of the case.
If you or a loved one have been hurt, call attorney Bruce A. Blaylock. You can reach us at 301-951-1800.