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What Photos Do Insurance Companies Look For?

If your vehicle is damaged in a collision, it is typical for an insurance company to send an inspector to snap a few pictures of your car. Besides photos of the damage to your vehicle, other visual evidence may help increase the worth of your case, including pictures of your injuries and footage of the accident unfolding.

An experienced Buffalo car accident attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to help recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Photographs of the Accident Scene

In the aftermath of an accident, if you are not seriously hurt, you should take pictures of the positioning of the vehicles on the road. If the other driver lost control and skidded off the road, be sure to get a picture of any property damage as well (i.e., damaged shrubs, trees, a mailbox, or other stationary object). Photographic documentation of any skid marks, shredded tires, or broken taillights can be used to determine the other driver’s liability.

It is also important to document the location of the crash itself. To achieve this, it is helpful to get pictures of any cross streets or distinguishing landmarks. The more information you can supply, the better!

Documentation of Your Injuries

Taking pictures of your injuries can go a long way to support your claim. While some injuries can be easily seen, such as broken bones, traumatic amputations, or any sort of facial trauma (i.e., a broken nose), other injuries may be better served with video footage.

For example, many crash victims suffer from whiplash, an injury that is caused by the neck being bent rapidly forward and backward upon impact. Whereas you may not be able to show a whiplash injury in a photo, it may be apparent if you turn on a video camera and show the difficulty you have when turning your head side-to-side.

Unfortunately, internal injuries often cannot be demonstrated through a photograph. However, if you do sustain an abdominal or chest injury, medical imaging will most likely be ordered by an emergency room physician.

Quality Over Quantity

While providing several pictures can be helpful, the clarity of the photographs is more important. Clear depictions of the crash itself, your injuries, and any vehicle or property damage will increase the chances that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Even though New York is a no-fault state, if you suffered a serious injury as defined by New York law, you have the option to exit the no-fault system and sue the other motorist. New York Consolidated Laws §5102 defines a serious injury to be any injury that results in death, a traumatic amputation, or loss of a body part or limb. The more photographic evidence you obtain, the greater chance you have of obtaining a substantial award.

Contact a Buffalo Car Accident Attorney Today

Car accident victims often feel that they are imposition on their loved ones and caretakers. If you have been injured in a collision, you deserve to receive the necessary medical treatment to help you make a complete recovery. At Steve Foley Law Firm, we are proud to help accident victims and their families pursue justice against wrongdoers. If you are ready to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Buffalo car accident attorneys, contact us online or by phone today.