Understanding Trademark Law Protections

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for the damage caused to the vehicle and the injuries that were sustained. However, establishing just how much damage there was is key to getting the maximum amount of financial restitution available. The best way to secure proof of the damages that occurred are to take photos. Here's how to take the best possible photos of the accident and injuries, so you can have solid visual proof of what happened. 

Take Photos of the Car Before It Is Moved, If Possible 

If possible, it is always best to get several photos of the car and any other vehicles that were involved in the accident before the car is moved. This is important when establishing how the accident occurred and who may be at fault. You can keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment for this purpose, or you can simply use your smartphone. If you are unable to take photos, ask a friend or even a witness to snap a few pictures before you move your car to the side of the road. 

Take Photos of the Inside and Outside of the Car 

Documenting the damage on both the inside and outside of the car is critical to proving how much damage there actually was. Take a photo of a particular area on the outside of the vehicle, and then snap a photo of that same area of the vehicle on the inside, so you know which outside photo corresponds with which inside photo and you don't have to sort them out later. 

Take Close Up Photos of the Damage to the Vehicle

In addition to taking photos from afar to document the damage to the car as a whole, it's also important that you take close up photos of each section of damage. Take close up photos of any obvious damage, but don't forget to also take photos of small dings, dents, or scratches that weren't there before the accident. 

Take Photos of Any Injuries 

A significant portion of auto accident compensation is awarded for physical injuries sustained in the crash. Although your auto accident attorney and the court will review your medical records to determined how severely you were injured, photographic evidence is also critical. If possible, take photos of your injuries before they are treated, and again after. If you are not able to take photos of your injuries yourself, ask a friend or family member to help you. 

Continue to Document the Progression of Injuries With Photos 

Once you are treated and released, it is still prudent for you to document the progression of your injuries with photos. This can help you establish several things in court, including how long it took your injuries to heal, and how your injuries may have impacted your daily life or your ability to work. 

Never Share Your Photos to Social Media 

Although you may be tempted to upload a photo or two of your crash or your injuries to your social media platforms, avoid doing so at all costs. It's also important to avoid discussing your case at all on social media. Anything you post can be used against you during your personal injury suit, and may compromise your case. 

Be sure to save your photos in more than one place, including on a memory card, USB drive, and/or the hard drive on your computer. This ensures that you have multiple ways to access your photos. If you need to print your photos for any reason, be sure to print them on high quality paper and at the correct size in order to avoid pixelation and to be sure that the photos are as clear and usable as possible.