In the past, there were few methods to obtain information from the parties involved in an accident–specifically an auto accident. An officer arriving on the scene had no other recourse but to accept verbal bits of information from witnesses if any were present or from the parties involved. Consequently, a nearly accurate evaluation of the accident was hope for but not necessarily guaranteed. A drawn sketch might help, but they were at times not very indicative of what actually happened.
However, thanks to the digital age we live in today, there is another instrument that can be used in order to find out what happened in an accident. The little cell phone cam or video camera feature most everyone carries in their purse or pocket today makes putting together the nebulous parts of an accident easier than ever before.
Important Reasons For Taking Pictures After An Accident
Today, photographic evidence is almost indisputable. Although not fool-proof evidence in a court of law, it puts the finishing touch on establishing just what happened, to whom it happened and in some cases at what time the accident occurred.
Basically, it becomes your word against the other party and some times even the authorities. Not only is your testimony used as stated facts, the testimony of others also comes into play.
Sometimes, the witnesses may or may not be accurately honest in their testimony. Added to this fact is that many times wreckage is moved from position and accident material is lost when dragging off cars from an accident in an effort to clear traffic. Consequently, be sure to take plenty of pictures before the removal of any cars takes place and of any injuries that may have occurred to you or your passengers, including bruises, bumps and broken bones.
In essence, the case is only as strong as the evidence indicates; however, your evidence needs protection being backed up by photographs or other digital instrumentation.
In addition, searching for extra photographic evidence to back up yours is advisable. Many times an automobile accident occurs right at an intersection or other public road where video cameras are placed by authorities to monitor traffic-flow. If these tapes are obtainable for use in a court of law, the case is almost surely brought to a quick and fair conclusion.
A clearly written accident report; numerous photographs from different angles recorded with date and time; a handwritten sketch; and eyewitness accounts all make for evidence that is difficult to dispute in a court of law, which is why you should always take photos of the scene and your person following an accident.
