What Should I Do if I'm in an Accident?

Taking photographs of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and the surrounding area can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Visual documentation provides an accurate representation of the conditions at the time of the accident and can help support your version of events.  Here are some additional steps:

• Safety First: Ensure that it's safe to take pictures. If you or others are injured or in immediate danger, prioritize getting medical help and moving to a safe location. 
• Include Different Angles: Take pictures from various angles to capture a comprehensive view of the accident scene. Include both close-up shots of vehicle damage and wider shots showing the overall scene. 
• Vehicle Damage: Focus on capturing the damage to each vehicle involved in the accident. Make sure to photograph the license plates for easy identification. 
  
• Road Conditions: Take pictures of the road conditions, such as skid marks, potholes, debris, or any other factors that might have contributed to the accident. 
  
• Traffic Signs and Signals: If relevant to the accident, photograph traffic signs, traffic lights, and road markings that might have played a role. 
• Weather and Lighting: If weather conditions or poor lighting were factors in the accident, take photos to document these conditions. 
• Witnesses and Contact Information: If there are witnesses at the scene, try to obtain their contact information (name and phone number) and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. 
• Surrounding Area: Capture images of the surrounding area that might have influenced the accident, such as obstructed views, road obstructions, or poorly maintained infrastructure. (Bushes, trucks blocking view, etc).  
• Time and Date Stamp: If your camera or phone allows it, ensure that the photographs have a time and date stamp. This helps establish when the pictures were taken. 

Remember that photographs can be powerful evidence in case of disputes or investigations. If you are unable to take pictures yourself due to injuries or other reasons, ask someone who is not injured and present at the scene to do it on your behalf. If the police are present, they might also take photographs as part of their accident investigation.

I highly advise installing a Dash Camera that can record both inside and outside of your car. Let me share an incident that illustrates its importance. In a particular case, the vehicle damage appeared minimal at first glance. However, when my clients presented the footage from their Dash Camera, it revealed a different story. The video captured them joyfully singing inside the car, and suddenly, a significant impact occurred, followed by screams and cries. The audio and visual evidence completely transformed the perspective of the case. Having a Dash Camera can be a game-changer, providing valuable evidence and protection in various situations on the road. 

About Jill Stern-Henderson
​For over 30 years, Jill Stern-Henderson has practiced civil litigation and workers' compensation cases with her husband, Steven Henderson. Please contact Jill at (925) 427-1771 or email her at [email protected] if you feel that she can help you with your case.