The Importance Of Taking Pictures After A Motorcycle Accident
According to the Florida Highway and Safety of Motor Vehicles (“FLHSMV”), there were 9,085 motorcycle crashes in Florida in 2022. The FLHSMV reports that 585 people died, and 7,817 were injured in motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2022. Unfortunately, people who are involved in motorcycle accidents are at a high risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries. This is because motorcycles offer less protection to motorcycle occupants. Considering the numbers provided by the FLHSMV, it is evident that if you are a motorcyclist or passenger on a motorcycle, you have a high risk of being involved in an accident and suffering injuries.
You are entitled to compensation if you are involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party’s negligence. The moments right after a motorcycle accident can be extremely confusing and disorienting. However, it is important that you protect yourself. One thing you need to know is that it is crucial to take pictures after a motorcycle accident. Also note the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.
Taking pictures is presumably the farthest thing from your mind after a motorcycle accident. But, pictures taken after the accident can be crucial to ensuring you recover the compensation you deserve.
Below, we discuss what you should photograph after a motorcycle accident, the importance of taking pictures after a motorcycle accident, and tips for taking useful pictures after a motorcycle accident.
What Should You Photograph After a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, you should take as many pictures as possible. Remember, you can never take too many photos after an accident. That said, the following are some of the things you want to ensure you capture;
- Your motorcycle
- All other vehicles involved
- Any skid marks made on the road
- Damage to other property
- Road signs
- Weather and road conditions
- Your injuries
If your injuries do not allow you to take pictures, you can ask someone nearby whom you trust to help you.
Importance of Taking Pictures After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident photos can help tell a story of what happened. Pictures can help prove fault once you file your claim against the negligent party. For example, photographs of skid marks can show that the driver was speeding and hit their brakes in a failed attempt to avoid an accident. The lack of skid marks can also show that the driver did not even try to stop and likely hit you with great force. A picture of the vehicle that hit you can often demonstrate who is to blame for the accident.
Images taken after a motorcycle accident can help you remember crucial details about the accident. According to research, people form false memories in stressful situations. After your accident, you may not recall accurately the things that happened. By having photos, you are more likely to remember what occurred and communicate that accurately.
Additionally, photos of your injuries can help show the extent of your injuries. Injuries heal with time, but pictures remain unchanged.
Tips for Taking Useful Pictures After a Motorcycle Accident
The following are some suggestions to help you take useful pictures after a motorcycle accident;
- Take many pictures: As mentioned earlier, you should take as many photos as possible after a motorcycle accident. Do not worry about having too many pictures. Your attorney will help you identify which images are most useful. Remember, two similar images can disclose different crucial details.
- Take pictures from different angles and distances: It is best to take photos from at least three different angles and distances. Try to take close-ups, medium-distance shots, and long-distance/panoramic shots.
- Avoid editing photos: When taking motorcycle accident photos, avoid applying filters or other editing forms. If you edit an image, it can change an otherwise accurate representation of crucial details and can compromise the evidence’s integrity.
- Remember the date and time: You may not have to worry about timestamping your pictures if you have a digital camera or phone. However, ensure you confirm that the time and date on your camera or phone are accurate before you start taking pictures.
- Include a common landmark in all images: When taking photos of vehicles, your motorcycle, and the surrounding area, try to keep a common landmark in each picture. That can help demonstrate distance and scale.
Additionally, it is vital that you avoid waiting to take pictures after a motorcycle accident. The truth is that accident scenes are cleaned up quickly, and things such as road and weather conditions change quickly. Photos taken after such changes have occurred may not be helpful.
Contact a Naples Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Naples motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro have years of experience helping motorcycle accident victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve from negligent parties. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help with a motorcycle accident case.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
