The short answer to this question is YES; when involved in a motor vehicle accident you should do everything you can to document the accident and how the accident occurred. However, the answer is not always as simple as yes or no.
When involved in a motor vehicle accident, the most important thing to be aware of is your safety and your health. Before taking any photographs or videos you should first determine that you are not in need of emergency medical attention and that you are in a safe location to take photographs and videos.
If you are injured and need emergency medical attention, you should call 911 and seek the care you need.
If the motor vehicle accident is in an area where it is unsafe to take photographs, do not risk your safety to document the accident.
If unable to take photographs at the scene of the motor vehicle accident, make sure that you take photographs of the damage to your motor vehicle before you have the vehicle repaired or release the vehicle to an insurance company. Further, you should take photographs of any bruising, redness, swelling, bleeding, or any visible injuries that you sustained as a result of the motor vehicle accident.
However, if you do not need emergency medical attention and you are in area where it is safe to take photographs – what should you photograph? First, take photographs of the damage to your motor vehicle. Second, take photographs of the damage to the other motor vehicles involved in the accident – however, motor vehicle accidents may be tense and drivers may be upset, do not risk your safety if you feel photographing another vehicle may put you in danger from the other drivers. Third, take photographs of the accident scene. For example photographs showing the street names, location on the roadway, and any traffic control devices at the accident scene (stop sign, stop light, yield sign, etc.). Last, take photographs of any bruising, redness, swelling, bleeding, or any visible injuries that you sustained as a result of the motor vehicle accident.
It is important to document as much information as you can about a motor vehicle accident, because insurance companies begin to gather information and dispute claims immediately. Photographs and video help confirm the location of an accident and that an accident occurred if the accident is denied by the other motorist. Additionally, photographs of bruising or redness help show injury and could show the use of a seatbelt when disputed by an insurance company.
These are just a few tips to protect yourself as a consumer and motorist in Florida. Remember that your health and safety are the most important and do not risk either in an attempt to take photographs or video at an accident scene.
If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, for a free consultation. Let our years of experience get to work for you and your family.