Taking Photos after St. Louis Car Crash

Here's a list of what you should take photos of after a car accident, if it's safe to do so:

The Accident Scene:

Overall Scene: Capture wide shots of the entire accident scene, including all vehicles involved and their positions.
Vehicle Damage: Take close-up photos of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved. Include dents, scratches, broken windows, deployed airbags, fluid leaks, and any visible frame damage.
Skid Marks: If there are skid marks on the road, photograph them from different angles. These can help reconstruct the accident and determine how fast the vehicles were traveling.
Traffic Signs and Signals: Document any relevant traffic signs, signals, or road markings that might have contributed to the accident (e.g., stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights).
Weather Conditions: If weather played a role in the accident (e.g., rain, snow, fog), take pictures of the current conditions.

Your Injuries (if possible):

Visible Injuries: If you have any visible injuries like cuts, bruises, or swelling, take pictures of them as soon as possible, and then again throughout the healing process. Note: Only take photos of your own injuries unless you have permission from others involved in the accident.

Additional Details:

Damage to Surrounding Objects: If the accident caused damage to nearby objects like mailboxes, fences, or buildings, take photos of those as well.
Witness Information (with permission): If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information and take a picture of their business card or write down their details clearly.

Safety Precautions:

Priority: Your safety is the top priority. Only take photos if it's safe to do so and doesn't interfere with getting medical attention.
Don't Move Vehicles: Unless the vehicles are blocking traffic, avoid moving them until the police arrive.
Scene Interference: Be mindful not to tamper with the scene or move any evidence.

Remember:

Time is of the Essence: Take photos as soon as possible after the accident, because weather conditions or traffic flow can change the scene.
Multiple Photos: Take multiple photos from various angles to capture all the important details.
High-Quality Photos: Use the highest quality setting available on your camera or phone.

By capturing these photos, you'll have valuable documentation of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and potentially your injuries. This evidence can be crucial for insurance claims, police reports, and even legal proceedings if necessary.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.