We have all heard of the term “picture is worth a 1,000 words.” The same principle applies to pictures when comes to car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, construction accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, burn injuries, etc. What should you photograph and why?
Taking photographs following a personal injury event is important because photos can help document the scene, your damages and injuries. In a car accident, you should take photographs showing your property damage (before your car is repaired) and of your injuries. At the scene of the accident, you should try to take photographs of the scene and of the other driver’s vehicle. In a slip and fall, (if possible) take photograph(s) of the substance that caused you to slip and fall and of its surroundings.
Additionally, in order to properly document your injuries, try to adhere to the following rules:
1. Setting: Take the photographs in an area clear of clutter or household objects, such as mirrors, tables, etc., which could distract the viewer’s attention from your injuries.
2. Facial expression: Do not make facial expressions or smile while taking the photographs. Making faces or smiling could leave a bad impression on anyone seeing the photos.
3. Clothing: Avoid wearing jewelry or makeup. Dress in clean and casual clothing.
4. Multiple shots: Make sure that you take more than one photo of your injuries, using different angles.
5. Full shot: Take at least one photograph showing your whole body. In doing so, make sure that the photo identifies you as the person with the broken arm, broken leg, lacerations, etc.
6. Surgery: If you have had any surgeries, make sure that you take several photographs of your surgical site.
7. Casts: Make sure that you take photographs of all casts.
8. Closeups: Take closeup photos of any scars, bruises, cuts, scrapes, casts, surgical sites, etc. In fact, take several shots, using different angles.
9. Zoom out: In addition to taking closeups photos, zoom out and take at least one overall photo of a scar, bruise, cut, cast, etc., showing the entire scar, bruise, cut, cast, etc.
10. Save copies of your photos: Save a backup copy of the photographs onto a compact disc.
