Taking photographs might be the last thing on your mind if you’re involved in a road accident. However, properly taken photos can be a precise and practical way of documenting what has happened.
We offer a guide on how to take road accident photos so that they clearly illustrate what occurred and the extent of any damage.
Why taking photos of a road accident is important
Photographs taken at the scene of a road accident can be a valuable form of evidence for use in subsequent legal or insurance claims.
Photographs can corroborate your version of events, helping show how and why the accident occurred. They can help document the nature and extent of any injuries and of damage to vehicles.
They’re also useful aids that can jog your memory, when and if the details of the accident begin to fade.
What photos to take at a road accident scene
Knowing what photos you should take at an accident scene can save time in a stressful situation and ensure you get the necessary evidence.
Pictures of damage to vehicles
Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and all vehicles involved in the accident. If there is debris lying on the road, capture it on camera.
Take photos of road barriers, traffic signs or buildings that were damaged in the accident.
Take close-up and wide-angle shots to capture the context and placement at the accident scene.
The image on the left can be used to show the damage from the accident as long as it includes a wide shot like the photo on the right to give context.
Photographic record of injuries
If you or anyone else has been seriously injured, the first priority is getting proper medical attention.
That said, it can be useful later to get photographic evidence of any injuries you’ve sustained. This can prove that injuries you sustained were directly caused by the road accident.
Photos of the accident scene
Photograph the surrounding area to provide context. Take pictures of the road, paying special attention to skid marks and concealed road signs.
Photograph the streetlights, houses and businesses nearby, including any elements that can be used as evidence, such as missing road signs or obstructions.
Take photos from angles that show distances between objects. This can help corroborate accident scene sketches.
The angle on the left doesn’t give any indication of how far apart the two vehicles are. The image on the right is a much better angle to use.
Accident details
Ensure you capture important details, such as the make and model of all vehicles, licence plates and discs, and the driver’s ID and driving licence.
Take clear and legible photographs. For detailed shots of damage, ensure it’s apparent which vehicle you’re photographing.
If a licence plate has fallen off a vehicle, photograph it. However, don’t move it or try to reattach it.
Weather and road conditions
Record the ambient conditions at the scene of the accident. If it’s dark or the visibility is poor, take photographs with and without a flash.
Especially if weather conditions were a factor in a road accident, it’s worth documenting these.
If you can, consider taking a video of the surrounding area to capture the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
If the road itself is in poor condition and potholes or other irregularities may have contributed to an accident, photograph these also.
Key pointers when taking photos
To ensure your road accident photographs provide a concise record of events, bear these important points in mind:
- ensure the camera’s date and time stamp functionality work
- take multiple photographs, including the scene, damages, causal factors, conditions and injuries
- take close-up and wide-angle shots of all aspects of the accident
- include photographs from far enough away to provide context and perspective
- make use of your camera’s video mode to collect evidence
- be aware of the lighting and use a flash if required.
What else to do after a road accident
The shock of a road accident can make things chaotic and overwhelming at the scene. It’s important to keep calm and follow these vital steps.
We’ve compiled a handy checklist with additional info that you can keep on your phone or in your glove compartment.
Following these steps can ensure you don’t inadvertently do something unlawful and help you compile evidence you might need later.
How we can help
At DSC Attorneys, we’re experts in road accident claims, with extensive experience in handling claims against the RAF.
Our personal injury attorneys and medico-legal team are committed to helping road accident victims in our country get the compensation they deserve, in as short a period as possible. We work on a no win, no fee basis. Contact us online or call 0861 465 879 for legal support and representation that’s effective, ethical and caring.
