Were you involved in a motor vehicle crash in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina? To the best of your ability, you should try to make a proactive effort to document the scene of the collision. Among other things, this includes taking extensive photos of the vehicle damage and the surrounding scene. Those photos can be a key form of evidence. Here, our Charleston car accident attorney explains why it is so important to take photos of your crash in South Carolina.
Photos Preserve Critical Evidence from the Crash Scene (Evidence is Key)
To start, it is important to emphasize that South Carolina is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. The driver (or other party) who is at fault for a crash is legally responsible for the resulting damages. Of course, the scene of an accident can change quickly. It may be because cars are moved, debris is cleared, and/or the conditions otherwise shift. Taking photos immediately after the collision captures an accurate snapshot of what happened. You should try to capture photos of vehicle positions, damage patterns, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These images may help accident reconstruction experts determine fault and provide strong support for your insurance claim.
Tips for Taking Pictures of a Car Crash in South Carolina
Tip #1: Capture the Entire Scene First
You should begin with wide-angle shots that show the overall crash site, including all vehicles involved, the roadway, traffic signals, and surrounding conditions. Doing so provides important context for understanding how the accident occurred.
Tip #2: Take Close-Ups of Damage and Key Details
You should also try to photograph vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, road debris, and any visible hazards like potholes or broken signs. Indeed, close-ups can help pinpoint the cause and severity of the collision.
Tip #3: Document Any Visible Injuries
Taking photos of a crash is not just about the scene. You should also capture injuries. If you have cuts, bruises, or other visible injuries, take clear photos as soon as possible. These images can help demonstrate the physical impact of the crash for your claim.
Tip #4: Pay Attention to Lighting and Angles
You should adjust your position to avoid glare, shadows, or poor lighting that could obscure important details. Taking photos from multiple angles ensures a more accurate record. In this context, more pictures are better. The ones that are not useful can be deleted later.
Note: The South Carolina Department of Insurance explains that all motorists are required to have minimum mandatory liability coverage. Unfortunately, not all drivers do. If you believe that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, it is especially important to take pictures of the crash.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Top Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our Charleston, SC auto accident attorneys are committed to putting victims and their families first. If you have any questions about the car accident injury claims process, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial case review. We represent car accident victims in Charleston and throughout the entire region.