Commuter claims are stronger with the right photographic evidence

Driving may be part of your everyday life, but one mistake from another driver can turn that life upside-down in an instant. Setting things back the way they were is no small task, but you can take steps to help get things started.

Serious injuries in a car accident can add up to almost $1.2 million in costs. Emergency medical care, long-term rehabilitation and lost wages could contribute to astronomical losses. Getting help might depend on the actions you take after an accident, especially those that strengthen your proof.

Legal impacts

The state asks you to behave appropriately after an accident, and you even have some legal requirements in doing so. Make sure you understand what’s expected of you:

• Stop your vehicle and pull somewhere safe, if you’re able
• Collect information from other drivers involved
• Take down details of the accident and the damage involved

Cementing the details can include photographic evidence. While memories of the accident can fade, damage can get repaired and witnesses can disappear, photographs can stand as lasting evidence of what occurred.

Capturing cause

Simple snapshots of the accident might be enough to strengthen your claim. You’ll need to fully document the wreck, and show what evidence you can for causes and circumstances:

• Overviews: You’ll want to start with pictures that can convey a broad sense of the accident. Give a general idea of the scene from multiple angles, including damaged barriers or missing signals.
• Vehicles: Next, you’ll want to bring the focus to the vehicles. Capture cars from every angle, so you can show the damage to your car, and possibly refute conflicting claims.
• Documents: Take photographs of plates, licenses and insurance at the scene. It will give you a second copy, and could even help you call into question outdated or false information later.
• Weather: It’s important to note the condition of the road you were on. If the other driver tries to claim slick roads on a sunny day, you can use photos to set them straight.
• Injuries: Document your injuries as best you can. These pictures can go a long way in proving the level of harm you experienced in the crash.

Getting the help you need after an accident may depend entirely on the strength of the evidence supporting you. Make sure you start on the right foot by documenting all the proof that could vanish quickly. Continue toward a healthy recovery by contacting Satterley & Kelley PLLC, who can help you put those photographs to work for your injury claims.