You should take photos at the scene of a Fort Lauderdale car accident if your injuries and the circumstances allow you to do so safely. Taking accident scene photos can provide crucial evidence your lawyer may need to prove fault and liability to recover compensation from a negligent driver.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you build a compelling case for compensation based on your crash and injuries. They can identify, collect, analyze, and present evidence to show fault and liability and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Why Should I Take Photos At The Scene Of My Fort Lauderdale Collision?
One advantage of always having a cell phone with a camera in your pocket is the ability to snap photos and take videos in circumstances where it might have been difficult in the past. This includes at an accident scene following a motor vehicle collision. Photos and videos from a crash scene can serve several key purposes, including:
- Preserving evidence: Photos and videos capture details from the scene that may change or disappear as time passes, such as weather conditions or roadway hazards.
- Helping to establish fault: Under some circumstances, a picture or video can help prove how the accident occurred and who is liable.
- Supporting your insurance claim: Photos can help validate your version of events.
- Showing property damage to each vehicle: Pictures and videos can show what damage occurred to each vehicle during a collision.
- Documenting your injuries: Photos of injuries can document the severity of the crash and link your injuries to the accident.
- Protecting you from false claims: Pictures of the scene could prevent the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster or other parties from misrepresenting what happened and denying or undervaluing your claim.
What Should I Take Photos Of At The Fort Lauderdale Accident Scene?
Knowing what types of pictures are most helpful as a part of a crash investigation can help you know what photos and videos to prioritize after an accident. Some of the most useful photos could include:
- Wide shots showing the overall scene, including vehicle positions, traffic signals, road signs, and other details
- Damage to all involved vehicles from all angles
- The license plates of all involved vehicles and the insurance cards of each driver (if possible)
- Road conditions, including any skid marks, road debris, potholes, or other hazards
- Traffic signs and signals that show any unusual circumstances for navigating the area
- Photos of your visible injuries
- Photos of driver’s licenses or other contact information of accident eyewitnesses
- Photos of any damaged personal items inside your vehicle
You can’t take too many pictures! Document anything you think might be useful and even things you doubt will be helpful, as you never know what detail will turn out to be relevant or even crucial to your case.
Sometimes, it is helpful to also take a video of the entire scene. If your injuries allow you to walk around, consider filming an overview of the accident, where each car stopped, the damage, and any other details.
How Will Having Photographic Evidence From The Crash Scene Support My Case?
When you suffer serious car accident injuries, your Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will work to develop a strong case to show:
- The at-fault driver acted negligently and caused a crash.
- You suffered serious injuries and other losses.
- You deserve fair compensation based on your expenses and losses.
Doing this requires evidence that compels the liable party’s insurance company to pay for your related damages or convince a jury to award you an appropriate payout to cover your costs.
Having photos and videos from the crash scene can help to support your case in several ways, including:
- Clarifying what happened, when, and why
- Helping experts reconstruct the accident accurately
- Proving the extent of damages to the vehicles and other property
- Strengthening the credibility of your case since juries often trust visual evidence more than verbal testimony alone
- Provide detailed insights not available elsewhere
Having strong evidence could also make the insurance claim process work more effectively and efficiently. Insurance companies do not want to go to trial and lose. When there is clear documentation that their policyholder caused an accident, they may be more likely to make a fair settlement offer.
What Should I Do If I Cannot Take Photos At The Scene Of My Fort Lauderdale Crash?
Your Fort Lauderdale accident claim lawyer will build a case to seek and secure fair compensation based on your injuries and other losses. They may use any photos or videos you take as evidence, alongside other items such as:
- The official police accident report compiled by responding officers
- Traffic camera, security camera, or surveillance camera footage, when available
- Accident reconstruction
- Eyewitness statements
- Physical evidence
- Relevant medical records
- Expert testimony
- Documentation of your damages
If your injuries prevent you from taking photos at the scene of your Fort Lauderdale accident, do not worry. Your personal injury attorney will identify, collect, and analyze other evidence to develop the strongest case possible on your behalf.
A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Pursue Damages Via A Lawsuit
Because Florida is a no-fault state, those who suffer minor injuries in a car accident can generally turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for their medical treatment and cover some of their lost income. However, those with serious injuries may pursue fault-based damages through an auto liability claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit after a car crash. However, discussing your case with a legal professional as soon as possible after your crash ensures you understand your rights and legal options.
Discuss Your Fort Lauderdale Traffic Accident With Our Legal Team
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine provides free case reviews for accident victims. You can learn how a car accident lawyer will use photos from the scene of your Fort Lauderdale car accident and other evidence to build a case.
You were hurt. Our personal injury law firm can help. Contact us today to get started.
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