Getting into a car accident can be a stressful experience, and it’s not uncommon to forget important steps, like taking pictures at the scene.

If you’re not severely hurt and have a smartphone, camera, or tablet with you, it’s a good move to take pictures of the vehicles, injuries, property damage, and the area around the accident. However, what if, in all the chaos and confusion, you either forgot or couldn’t capture the accident scene?

In this blog post, we’re going to answer what you do if you forgot to take pictures at the scene of an accident.

How important is it to take pictures after a car accident?

In the unfortunate event of a car accident, taking photos of the accident scene is crucial for documenting the accident, especially for your insurance claim. Photographs of property damage, personal injuries, and the accident’s details are key to building a strong case.

To ensure a complete record, it’s smart to take photos of the car and all vehicles involved, including their license plate numbers. Also, capture the accident’s surroundings, any visible injuries, traffic signals, and skid marks, if present.

Why is it important to have evidence after a car accident?

Evidence, such as photos or videos of the auto accident, is important after a car accident because it can help you prove who was at fault and how much your damages are. If you are unable to prove that the other driver was at fault, you may not be able to recover compensation for your damages.

Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, evidence can help you reduce the amount of fault that is assigned to you. This can increase the amount of compensation that you receive which can go towards medical expenses or vehicle damage.

If you are having difficulty gathering evidence on your own, you may want to consult with an attorney. A car accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident and collect the evidence that you need to support your claim.

What happens if you forget to take pictures after a car accident?

If you forgot to capture the accident scene, it might affect your ability to prove your claim. Without these visuals, it becomes challenging to explain what happened and who is at fault.

Forgetting to snap pictures can result in complications during the insurance claim process. It may lead to disputes over liability, difficulties in estimating damages, and the risk of receiving less compensation.

However, before smartphones could readily capture any moment, people managed just fine.

Here’s what to do in the event you forgot to take photos at the scene

• Police reports: Ask the police officer who responds to the accident for the report. They may also be able to take pictures and document the scene.
• Video: Take pictures and videos of your vehicle and your injuries, even if it is minor, and even if you’ve already left the scene. Try to take as many as possible from different angles.
• Witnesses: Were there any witnesses around? Get their names and contact information. Their testimony could be beneficial in proving who’s at fault.
• Medical records: Keep all of your medical records and repair estimates.
• Insurance: If you have any questions or concerns, contact your insurance company or an attorney about your accident claim.

How can an experienced car accident law firm help?

Car accident law firms, like Rush Hannula Harkins & Kyler in Washington, specialize in helping accident victims get the most out of their claim. We offer a free consultation and can provide valuable legal advice that can change the tides for families needing strategic representation.

Our experienced car accident attorneys can assist you in collecting evidence, such as police reports and medical records, even if you forgot to take photos. We’re here to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage.

Don’t let the absence of accident photos discourage you; contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. We’ll guide you through the process, collect essential information, and ensure you get the support you need after a car crash.