Five Pictures to Take After an Alaska Auto Crash
There are more than 3,400 injury-causing car accidents every year according to the Alaska Highway Safety Office, which means it is possible that you or someone you know could be hurt in a crash. While the circumstances may be tragic, you may get some comfort from knowing that you might qualify to recover compensation for your losses. By filing a claim with the responsible driver’s insurance company, you may be able to obtain money for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Of course, the insurer will need proof that its own policyholder was at fault before it pays you. You will rely on your Alaska car accident lawyer to handle the details, but keep in mind that you are in the best position to gather evidence in the immediate aftermath of a crash. Fortunately, your cell phone is the most useful tool for collecting proof. By capturing video and images, you can establish fault on behalf of the other driver. When you pull out your camera, make sure to take pictures of five key pieces of evidence.
- Damage to Vehicles: With some accidents, the location of the damage to vehicles can be an indication of who was responsible for causing the crash. For instance, most rear end collisions are the fault of the following driver. You would want to snap pictures of dents and scratches on the front and rear of the vehicles. In addition, images of the damage may demonstrate the severity of a collision when it comes to proving the nature of your injuries.
- Traffic Signals and Lane Markings: These pictures may show how the at-fault motorist ran a red light, made an improper turn, veered into oncoming traffic, or otherwise failed to comply with traffic laws. When capturing images, make sure to include any turn arrows that accompany the traditional red-green-yellow lights. Yellow, white, and dotted lane markings are equally important, as are crosswalks.
- Panorama of the Crash Scene: Most phones have a panoramic function that allows you to get a larger view of the scene, including physical characteristics that may have contributed to the accident. Examples include trees that obstruct visibility or potholes that cause a motorist to lose control of the vehicle.
- Buildings in the Vicinity: Businesses near the crash may have surveillance cameras for security purposes, so this footage may be useful in proving fault. If you take pictures right after the accident, your lawyer can reach out later.
- Evidence at the Scene: Take pictures of skid marks, trees or signs that sustained damage, and related factors. They may be useful for reconstructing how the accident occurred.
Get Legal Help from an Anchorage, AK Auto Collision Attorney
There may be many other images that are important for purposes of proof, so make sure you snap pics of anything you think is relevant. All of these details help support your insurance claim for monetary damages, and your lawyer may even use them in court. For more information, please contact Power & Power Law to set up a free consultation at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska.