In the aftermath of a car crash, medical care should be the number one priority for all involved. If people have been injured in the accident, someone needs to call 911 to get emergency help.
Beyond that, another important thing to do is to take pictures. In the event of an insurance claim or a lawsuit, having photographic evidence can be very beneficial. Below are three different types of pictures that it’s important to take (unless you and any others in your vehicle are too injured to do so).
Identifying information
First of all, you need to be able to identify the other driver. The two of you should already exchange contact information and insurance information. Just take a picture of their insurance information, their driver’s license and their license plate.
The surrounding scene
Take pictures of the accident scene itself and the surrounding area. Try to include things like stoplights, roundabouts, trees, intersections, other vehicles and anything else relevant to the accident. After all, that crash may have been caused by the road design, or the pictures could show how the other driver made a mistake and caused the accident.
Other details
Finally, if you are seeking compensation for injuries and related damages, it can be helpful to take detailed pictures that demonstrate how these things connect to the crash. For example, you should take close-up pictures of the damage to the vehicle and any injuries that people have suffered.
Taking photographs is just part of the process as you seek compensation. Take the time to look into all of your legal options. You may deserve substantial compensation for everything from medical bills to lost wages to pain and suffering.