Do you know how to take photos at the scene of an accident? It can be hard to remember or focus on taking pictures amid all the chaos from being in a crash. However, it is absolutely necessary, as it can affect your claim later. If possible, you should take photos right after the crash, before vehicles have been moved. You want to show the damage done to both vehicles, as well as any property damage. The photos will help show fault in case there is confusion or debate about which party was at fault.
Why Are Motorcycle Accident Photos so Important to an Insurance Claim?
A general fact to know about accident insurance claims is that insurance companies aim to pay out as little as possible. Knowing this helps you better understand why it is so crucial to have good evidence to support your claim. Even after being involved in a big accident with major injuries, your insurance company may still be difficult to deal with. To truly prove the severity of the accident and injuries, and prove you are not at fault, accident photos may be necessary. Without them, insurance adjusters may try to find loopholes, or try to downplay your injuries and accident.
Having good accident photos will serve as evidence as to how the accident occurred. A good photo will clearly show the points of impact, which are very telling of who hit who from which side. Knowing how to take photos is also important, because there is such a thing as a bad accident photo.
How to Take Photos After A Motorcycle Crash
The moments after a motorcycle crash can be very scary, confusing, and chaotic. Even if both parties come out uninjured, adrenaline and fear will still be there. These overwhelming feelings can easily cause us to forget what to do after an accident. It is also easy to later forget how the accident happened in the first place. To avoid this happening, it is important to know how to take accident photos, so that it will not take too much effort or thinking when the time comes. If you know what to photograph and you know how necessary it is, it will make its way to the front of your mind, even in the midst of confusion after an accident.
You should take photos of:
- Any and all injuries
- Damages to all vehicles involved
- Points of impact of the vehicles
- Position of the vehicles after the crash
- License plates, insurance cards, drivers licenses of those involved
- Skid marks on the road caused by the accident
- Shattered glass or broken objects that fell off of either vehicles onto the road
- Nearby traffic lights and signs
- Any nearby cameras that may have captured the accident (store security cameras, traffic cameras, etc.)
- Damage to any property of yours
- Damage to surrounding property, if there is any such damage (posts, street signs, guard rails, fences, etc.)
- Traffic conditions and weather conditions
The more photos you have, and the more detailed they are, the better.
What if I am Injured and Unable to Take Photos of the Accident?
Motorcycle riders are more prone to injuries after an accident than car drivers. If you get injured in an accident, then taking accident photos might not be your priority. You should always be putting your own safety and well-being first. If you are unable to take photos, try to ask a witness or someone else on the scene to do so for you. If there are witnesses, you will definitely want their information to get their statement about the accident later.
Will I Still be Able to Successfully Open a Claim Without Photos of my Accident?
Accident photos are definitely helpful for a claim. However, you can still have a successful claim and settlement without them, especially if you avoid some of these common mistakes after an accident. A good attorney will be able to obtain other evidence to help your claim and get you the settlement that you deserve for your accident and injuries. Not having accident photos does not stop you from opening a claim and receiving compensation for your damages.