The Power of Photo Evidence After a Car Accident or Injury

• September 1
• EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY
• Car Accidents

Skid marks. A twisted guardrail. Broken glass glinting on the pavement. When viewed separately, these images might not seem significant. But taken together and properly documented, they tell a story. In the aftermath of a car accident or injury, that story can make the difference between a successful claim and a denied one.

If you’ve been in a car accident or suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, taking pictures might be the last thing on your mind. But those photos could be one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in proving liability, documenting damages, and protecting your rights.

Your personal injury attorney can use photos to build your case. If you can take pictures after your accident, or gain access to photos others may have captured, you should.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Documenting the Scene Immediately After a Crash Is Important

In the moments after a crash, you may be in shock or pain. That said, if you’re physically able—or if someone else can help—gathering visual evidence should be a priority. Start by photographing the overall scene. Consider capturing:

• The position of the vehicles involved
• Skid marks, debris, and shattered glass
• Traffic signs and signals
• Weather and road conditions
• The surrounding area, including street signs and landmarks

Next, take close-up images of vehicle damage and visible injuries. Take photos from different angles and lighting to show the extent of the impact. This level of documentation can be incredibly helpful to your car accident attorney when proving the extent of your losses.

Injuries In Public Places

It’s not just car accidents where photo documentation is important. If you or a loved one is injured in a store, restaurant, or public location, photos can help prove your case. Wondering how? A slip and fall in a grocery store might not seem dramatic at the time, but taking pictures of the wet floor, lack of warning signs, or the surrounding environment can help your attorney prove negligence – a key factor in personal injury claims.

If you witness a friend or relative’s accident, always take pictures, even if the injured person feels embarrassed or asks you to put your phone away. Simply explain that these photos are for their protection. Documenting the conditions that led to the injury and how quickly store personnel responded can be vital in a premises liability case.

Visual Evidence Paints a Picture

Why Photo Evidence Matters

After an accident, facts can quickly become blurred. People forget details. Witnesses leave. Accident scenes get cleaned. Insurance companies form their versions of events—ones that may not be in your favor.

Photo and video evidence help tell the true story. Images captured at the scene can:

• Preserve key details that may otherwise be lost
• Support your version of events
• Provide a visual record of injuries and damage

When photos are paired with expert analysis whether it’s an accident reconstruction specialist or a medical professional they become even more compelling. A seasoned accident attorney knows how to leverage photo evidence and engage expert witnesses to help maximize their clients’ settlements.

Video: Even More Powerful Than Photos

Video can be even more persuasive than pictures. It offers movement, context, and timing. It shows what happened before, during, and after an accident or injury. In some cases, it can even capture audio, like an at-fault driver admitting responsibility or a manager responding dismissively to an injury in their store.

Consider this: you’ve likely seen viral videos of altercations, public incidents, or crashes where video footage changed the narrative. Without these videos, the truth might have been lost—or denied altogether.

If you can safely record video of an incident, and it won’t escalate the situation or put you in harm’s way, do so. And if you suspect a nearby business or traffic camera may have captured something relevant, talk to your attorney immediately. Time is critical, as many systems automatically delete footage after a short period.

Smart Tips for Capturing Evidence

Even a few minutes spent taking photos can impact your case. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Use your phone’s camera—it’s usually the most accessible tool available.
• Take wide-angle shots to capture the overall scene, then zoom in for detail.
• Photograph all vehicles involved, including license plates, damage, and placement on the road.
• Snap images of driver’s licenses and insurance cards to safeguard critical information.
• Capture a timetable, a screenshot of your phone’s time or a nearby business clock.

Remember, photo evidence doesn’t just protect you, it can protect others involved in the accident, too. If you’re an uninjured passenger or even a bystander, consider helping by documenting the scene for those who can’t.

What If You Can’t Take Pictures?

Not everyone is in a position to take pictures after an accident. Some victims are too hurt or disoriented to take action. If you’re unable to take pictures, ask someone to help. Those who may be able to assist include passengers in your car, a trusted friend or family member, a nearby witness, or even first responders, if appropriate.

You can also return to the scene later to photograph elements that may still be present, such as property damage or roadway features. And your attorney can help request security footage, track down witnesses, or hire investigators to fill in the gaps.

Evans / Deshazo / Reilley Can Help

Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side

Our team of personal injury attorneys knows that Insurance companies have a history of delaying, denying, and underpaying claims. Their goal is to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. If your case lacks strong documentation, they may argue that your injuries were exaggerated, your property damage was minor, or that you were at fault.

Our professionals can leverage photo and video evidence to counter these arguments by showing the reality of what happened. They serve as powerful tools as we negotiate, litigate, and push back against tactics meant to discredit your claim.

Engage Our Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident, engaging professional representation should be your first course of action. Do not try to manage this alone. Our experienced attorneys have extensive experience. We understand how to build strong, evidence-based, successful personal injury cases.

Our reputation for providing hands-on, responsive service is outstanding. We recognize that in injury cases, the smallest details can make the biggest impact.

Call EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY today at (512) 732-2727 to schedule a free consultation. The statute of limitations limits the time for filing suit. Let us put our experience to work for you—and show you how a picture really can be worth a thousand words.