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Accident Photos and Why You Need Them

accident photos

When it comes to auto accidents, there can be multiple theories of liability. And depending on the evidence available from the scene of the accident, sometimes the victim can become the liable party. It’s not fair, but it happens more often than you may think. The good news is that taking post-accident photos at the scene can eliminate doubt and graphically depict the accident scene as it occurred, not as it will later be remembered.

Accident Photos Can Save the Day

Our team members have the advantage of seeing just how important accident photos can be in auto claims. But even in our smartphone-centered world, people tend to forget how valuable that little digital camera is when faced with a fender bender.

Several years ago, our client was hit in the center of his rear bumper. Thankfully, there were no injuries and only minor damage to the vehicle. This seemed like a straightforward accident case initially, so our client simply filed a case with the other party’s insurance carrier. The carrier opened the claim and made arrangements to evaluate our client’s vehicle. After the estimate was written and submitted, our client called us upset and frustrated with the funds received.

He stated that the other party’s appraiser only offered to pay only some of the cost of repairs to the rear bumper. The appraiser stated that there was no proof their insured could have done all of that damage. Because the other party did not want to file a claim for their damages, they were not required to provide photos of the front of their vehicle. As a result, the appraiser, our client, and the auto body shop were not able to compare damage to the vehicles or evaluate the extent of damage the other vehicle could have done. Our client was left with only taking payment for what the other party’s insurance carrier felt they were responsible for and nothing more.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Perhaps if accident photos were taken at the scene of the collision mentioned above, the result of the claim would have been different. If ever you find yourself in a similar situation – TAKE PHOTOS! Even if you would consider the accident to be minor, take photos anyway. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Take photos of:

  • The point of impact
  • The scene of the accident
  • The damage to all areas impacted of EACH vehicle involved

Consider the Viewpoint

As you take photos of the point of impact, the accident scene, and the damage caused, try to channel an adjuster’s viewpoint. What evidence would you want to see if you knew nothing about the accident and had to decide who was at fault? Even if you have a police report, your photos can help recreate the scene. Take pictures of your surroundings and, if possible, the positions of the vehicles before they are moved. Try to take photographs that tell a story. And remember – It’s better to be prepared than sorry!

This post has been updated from its original run on November 17, 2014.

All insurance policies are different. Be sure to review your insurance policy for specific information about coverages available to you. Nothing in this post is meant to suggest a guarantee of coverage.