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Is Taking Pictures After a Car Accident Helpful?

If you have ever seen a car accident pulled on the side of the road you may have seen people moving around with their smart phones taking pictures of their car, the other cars involved and the scene. However, what do these pictures actually do for a case?

If you have suffered a serious injury or if a loved one has been killed in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation typically attempts to make you whole by awarding money for damages. Fayetteville car accident lawyer Ken Kieklak can work to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of services, damage to property and other losses.

Why taking Pictures is a Good Idea

A vast majority of Americans have a smart phone which come equipped with a rather advanced camera as well as a large amount of data space to store pictures. Even if you do not have a smart phone most if not all phones today come equipped with a built in camera.  Taking pictures of an accident scene and the injuries that may result can be one of the most effective ways of avoiding undue litigation. Pictures can be used as evidence in a case to either prove that an injury or accident occurred, or to prove that an injury and accident did not occur. It is a sad reality that some people involved in an accident will try and use the accident to get money out of another person even though they have not been injured or have only suffered minor property damage. Having photographic proof of the accident and the scene can be essential to your insurance claim.  After an accident it may be beneficial to take pictures of all of the following:

  • Damage to your vehicle – after an accident it is important to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle.  You should try and ensure that the pictures clearly demonstrate the damage to your car. You should try and take the pictures from various angles and ensure that the lighting is adequate.
  • Damage to the other vehicle –  After an accident it is not only should you take pictures of your car but also of any damage to the other cars involved.
  • Damage to the surrounding property and area – If the accident involves any damage to any surrounding property. Additionally, it is a good idea to get a picture of the entire scene. Don’t worry about getting all of the details of the accident, but get a picture of the overall accident scene.
  • Layout of the street or intersection – After an accident you should take a picture of the street that the accident was on or the intersection where the accident occurred.
  • Personal injuries – many car accidents will involve personal injuries, if you have sustained a personal injury such as cuts, lacerations, and bruises.

Taking photos at the scene of an accident is one of the most beneficial things you can do to support your claim against another driver. Not only can a photo support a personal injury case, but it can also disprove false claims made by others involved. A Fayetteville AR personal injury lawyer can help you with your case.

How long do you have to file a Claim after a Car Accident?

After a car accident you should first ensure that everyone is okay and call appropriate medical professionals if necessary. If you have been injured it is important to seek prompt medical attention and to follow all of the doctor’s instructions. However, if you have suffered a personal injury because of another person’s negligence you may have questions about filing a suit against them.  While your first concern should be to ensure that you and any loved ones who have been involved in the accident are safe, if you have been injured do not wait too long before contacting an experienced Arkansas car accident lawyer.

The Arkansas Statutory Code Section 16-56-104, outlines the time-frame when a claim can be brought. A personal injury claim that is based on a car accident or where there is property damage involved must be filed within three years from the date of the accident.

Get a Fayetteville, Arkansas Car Accident Lawyer On Your Side

If you have suffered a serious injury be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Then to schedule your free and confidential consultation, call Arkansas car accident attorney Ken Kieklak at (479) 316-0438 or contact our firm online.