Are Pictures of Your California Car Crash Helpful to Your Attorney?

At Heiting & Irwin, we advise Californians involved in a car crash caused by another person to take photographs at the scene of the crash so long as they are able to do so without causing another person’s physical safety or their own safety to be jeopardized. Some may wonder, however, just how important these photographs actually are to the resolution of their Riverside car crash. The answer depends on the quality and quantity of the photographs themselves.

---

Taking Good Photographs After a California Car Crash

Photographs in a car crash case preserve a crucial moment in time for your attorney and any experts who may be needed to evaluate your crash. The old adage is true: While your words and statements can paint a picture of the accident’s aftermath, a picture truly is worth a thousand words (see, for example, this case).
 
However, the usefulness of the photographs you take will depend on both the quantity and quality. In general, it is always advisable to take photographs of the car crash scene. However, these photographs may not be of much help to your attorney if they are not of sufficient quality. Quality photographs that are most helpful include those that:

• Are properly focused and not blurry;
• Are a combination of close-up photographs of important details and wide-angle shots that capture the entire scene;
• Preserve as much information about the immediate aftermath of the crash as possible, such as the location of the cars or vehicles involved, road conditions, road markings, traffic control signs and/or signals, damage to each car, and any visible injuries you suffered (such as cuts, lacerations, and/or bruises).

 
You should also take care to ensure these photographs are properly archived so that you always have a copy available to you in the event other copies become lost, damaged, or destroyed.

Do Not Take Photographs if Doing So Jeopardizes Your Safety

While photographs can be extremely helpful in increasing your chances of recovering compensation in your case, you must not jeopardize your own safety or cause further injury to yourself or anyone else just to take photographs. Not only will this exacerbate your losses, but it can negatively impact your ability to recover full compensation.
 
As soon as possible, contact Heiting & Irwin for further assistance and representation. Heiting & Irwin is a Riverside car crash law firm committed to helping those injured in collisions caused by the negligent actions of others. We use any photographs our clients are able to take along with our knowledge and investigative resources to build a powerful and persuasive case for compensation for our clients. Let us help you or your loved one obtain monetary damages for your injuries by calling (951) 682-6440. Alternatively, you can complete our online form for assistance.

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ben124/

Heiting & Irwin are personal injury lawyers in Riverside who work with clients throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. We've recovered over $300M for our clients since 1979 and charge no fees until the successful conclusion of your case.