Tips on Taking Good Photos for Your Car Insurance Claim After a Crash

If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to take clear, detailed photos of the scene. Good photos can be the difference between a smooth insurance claim process and a frustrating fight for fair compensation.

As experienced New Orleans car accident lawyers, our team at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers understands the power of strong photographic evidence in supporting your claim. Read on to learn practical tips on what to photograph, how to do it effectively, and why it matters.

Why Are Good Photos So Important for Your Car Insurance Claim?

Photos provide tangible, visual proof of the accident’s aftermath. Insurance adjusters and legal professionals use these images to assess the damage, determine fault, and calculate compensation.

Clear, well-framed photos can help convey the damage’s severity and the accident’s context, leaving less room for dispute. The better your images, the stronger your claim will be, whether it’s with your insurer or the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.

What Should You Photograph at the Accident Scene?

After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling for medical help and police to file a report, you should take photos of the accident scene. Capture the following using your smartphone or a camera:

• Vehicle Damage: Take close-up and wide-angle shots of all damage to both your car and all other vehicles involved. This includes dents, scratches, broken glass, deployed airbags, and other visible damage. Photograph all sides of each vehicle, even if the damage seems minor.
• The Accident Scene: Get a few wide shots of the entire accident scene, including the positioning of the vehicles, skid marks, and debris on the road. Capture any road conditions or obstacles that could have contributed to the accident.
• Traffic Signs and Signals: Photograph all traffic signs, signals, or road markings near the accident site. Include the placement of stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and traffic lights. These photos help provide context to the accident and establish who had the right of way or whether traffic rules were followed.
• Visible Injuries: If you or anyone involved in the accident has visible injuries, take photos of the damages. Bruises, cuts, scrapes, and other injuries can help document the physical impact of the accident on victims. Take these photos as soon as possible, as injuries can change in appearance over time.
• License Plates and Vehicle Identification: Take clear pictures of the license plates of all vehicles involved in the accident. It’s also helpful to capture photos of the vehicle identification number (VIN) if possible. This information can help you file a more efficient, well-supported claim.
• Surrounding Area and Environment: Take photos of the surrounding area, including potential hazards, road conditions, weather conditions, or obstructions that may have contributed to the accident. This can include visually documenting wet or icy roads, poor lighting, or construction zones.
• Photograph the Details Up Close: Get close-up shots of details like broken glass, tire marks, or damaged vehicle parts. Ensure these photos are sharp and focused to capture all the small details relevant to your claim.

Tips for Taking Clear, Effective Photos

Good photos can strengthen your insurance claim and help you secure fair compensation. To make sure they are the best possible quality, follow these tips:

• Use Your Smartphone or Camera’s Features: Most smartphones have high-quality cameras that capture detailed images. Use the focus feature to ensure clarity and adjust the exposure to avoid overly dark or washed-out photos. Use the timestamp feature to add a date and time to your images.
• Ensure Good Lighting: Clear photos need good lighting. During the day, use natural light to highlight the scene. At night or in low light, use your phone’s flash or a flashlight, but avoid pointing them directly at reflective surfaces like glass or license plates to prevent glare.
• Keep the Photos Clear and Steady: Avoid blurry photos by holding your phone or camera steady. If your hands are shaky, rest them on a solid surface or use both hands to stabilize the shot. Blurry photos may not be considered reliable evidence.

Get Help from Our New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers

Clear and detailed photos bolster your case when filing a car insurance claim. They support your version of events, reduce disputes, and provide essential evidence for negotiating with insurers or pursuing legal action to secure compensation.

At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we know how to gather critical evidence for insurance negotiations. Our team knows which photos may help prove your claim and can arrange for expert reconstructions or additional photographic evidence to further strengthen your case.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Louisiana, contact Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.

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