Let’s be real – nobody wakes up thinking they’ll need to become a crime scene photographer by lunch. But here in Pueblo, with our busy streets and unpredictable weather, car accidents happen more often than we’d like. When they do, having solid photo evidence can seriously help your insurance claim or personal injury case.
I’ve seen too many folks miss out on fair compensation just because they didn’t know what to photograph or how to do it right. That’s why I’m sharing everything you need to know about documenting your accident properly. Trust me, these tips could save you thousands of dollars down the road.
Why Photos Matter More Than You Think
You might think the police report will cover everything, but here’s the thing – cops aren’t always super detailed with their documentation. They’re dealing with traffic, getting people to safety, and writing up multiple reports each day. Sometimes important stuff just gets missed.
Photos tell a story that words can’t. They show exactly what happened, how severe the damage was, and can even reveal things you didn’t notice at the scene. Insurance companies love photos because it’s hard to argue with visual evidence. Plus, memories fade over time, but pictures don’t lie.
What to Photograph at the Accident Scene
The Big Picture First
Start by taking wide shots of the entire scene. Safety first, of course! Get photos from multiple angles showing:
- Where all vehicles ended up
- The intersection or road layout
- Traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Skid marks on the pavement
- Any debris scattered around
Don’t just snap one quick photo – take several from different positions. Walk around (safely!) and capture the scene from north, south, east, and west if possible. This gives everyone a complete picture of what happened.
Vehicle Damage – Every Scratch Counts
Now, zoom in on the vehicles. Photograph:
- All damaged areas on every car involved
- Close-ups of dents, scratches, and broken parts
- The license plates of all vehicles
- The VIN numbers (usually visible through the windshield)
- Inside damage like deployed airbags or damaged seats
Here’s a pro tip: take photos from about 10 feet away, then move closer for detail shots. The wide shots show context, while the close-ups capture the extent of damage that insurance adjusters really need to see.
Don’t Forget the Small Stuff
Those little details can be huge later on:
- Broken glass on the ground
- Fluid leaks from damaged vehicles
- Damaged guardrails, signs, or property
- The position of mirrors, headlights, and turn signals
- Any parts that fell off the vehicles
Documenting Your Injuries Properly
This part feels awkward, but it’s super important. Injuries often look worse right after an accident than they do a few days later when the swelling goes down. You need that initial documentation.
Immediate Injury Photos
If you’re hurt, have someone take photos of:
- Visible cuts, bruises, or swelling
- Any bleeding or obvious injuries
- Torn clothing (it shows impact force)
- Your general condition at the scene
I know it feels weird asking someone to photograph your injuries, but remember – you’re protecting your future. These photos prove your injuries happened because of the accident, not something else.
Follow-Up Documentation
Don’t stop taking photos at the scene. Over the next few weeks:
- Document how bruises change color and size
- Photograph any medical equipment you need (casts, braces, crutches)
- Show limitations in your movement or daily activities
- Keep visual records of your healing process
This ongoing documentation shows the full impact of your injuries, not just that first moment.
Getting the Insurance Information Right
While you’re taking photos, make sure to capture:
- Insurance cards from all drivers involved
- Driver’s licenses (with permission)
- Vehicle registration documents
- Contact information for all parties
Take clear, readable photos of these documents. Blurry insurance card photos are useless when you’re trying to file a claim later!
Weather and Road Conditions Matter
Don’t forget to document the conditions that might have contributed to the accident:
- Wet or icy roads
- Poor visibility from weather
- Construction zones or road work
- Potholes or poor road conditions
- Time of day (lighting conditions)
These factors can affect who’s at fault and how your case turns out.
The Human Element – Witness Information
If there are witnesses, get their contact information and ask if they saw what happened. While you’re at it, take a photo of their contact details (with permission) so you don’t lose that key information later.
Sometimes witnesses leave before police arrive, so act quickly. Their statements could be the difference between a successful claim and a denied one.
Common Photography Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make these mistakes over and over:
Taking too few photos – You can’t have too many photos of an accident scene. Digital storage is cheap, but missing evidence is expensive.
Only photographing obvious damage – Sometimes the most important damage isn’t immediately visible. Check under bumpers, around wheel wells, and frame areas.
Forgetting to document pre-existing damage – If your car already had some damage, photograph it clearly so it’s not confused with accident damage.
Not checking photo quality – Make sure your photos are clear and well-lit. Blurry or dark photos won’t help your case.
Skipping the timestamp – Most phones automatically timestamp photos, but double-check this setting is turned on.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Sometimes you need more than just smartphone photos. Consider hiring a professional accident reconstruction expert or photographer if:
- The accident was severe with major injuries
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- There’s significant property damage
- Who was at fault is being disputed
- The insurance company is giving you the runaround
The attorneys at McCormick & Murphy P.C. have worked with these professionals for years and can help figure out if your case needs that extra level of documentation. With over 60 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases in Colorado, they know what evidence makes the difference in court.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Here’s something insurance companies don’t want you to know – they’re hoping you don’t have good documentation. Poor evidence makes it easier for them to lowball your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
When you’re talking to insurance adjusters, having all your clear photo evidence puts you in a much stronger position. They can’t argue with what they can see clearly in pictures.
But remember, you don’t have to handle insurance companies alone. If you’re dealing with significant injuries or major damage, having experienced legal representation can make a huge difference in your settlement amount.
Storing and Organizing Your Evidence
Once you’ve taken all these photos, you need to keep them safe and organized:
- Back up photos to cloud storage immediately
- Create folders by date and type (scene, vehicles, injuries, etc.)
- Print physical copies as backup
- Keep everything organized chronologically
Don’t just leave everything on your phone. Phones get lost, broken, or corrupted. Your evidence needs to be preserved properly.
The Legal Side of Things
In Colorado, we follow comparative negligence rules, which means even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Good photo evidence helps establish the degree of fault for each party involved.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Colorado is typically three years, but don’t wait that long to document everything. The sooner you have solid evidence, the stronger your position will be.
If you’re dealing with serious injuries or significant damages from your Pueblo car accident, the team at McCormick & Murphy P.C. can help you understand your rights and options. They handle most personal injury claims on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover money for you.
What Happens If You Didn’t Take Photos?
Don’t panic if you’re reading this after an accident and didn’t get photos at the scene. You can still:
- Go back to the scene later and photograph road conditions, signs, and layout
- Get photos of your vehicle damage before repairs
- Document your injuries even if it’s been a few days
- Request photos from police reports or other drivers
- Look for traffic cameras or business security cameras that might have captured the accident
It’s not ideal, but it’s better than having no evidence at all.
Moving Forward After Documentation
Once you’ve got all your photos and documentation together, what’s next? First, get medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and having medical records strengthens your case.
Then, contact your insurance company to report the claim. Having all your photo evidence ready makes this process much smoother. Be factual in your report, but don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, be careful. They’re not on your side, even if they seem friendly. Having legal representation before giving any recorded statements is usually a smart move.
When to Call a Lawyer
You might be wondering if you need a lawyer for your car accident case. Here are some situations where legal help is probably worth it:
- You suffered significant injuries requiring ongoing treatment
- The accident resulted in substantial medical bills
- You’re missing work due to your injuries
- The insurance company is denying your claim or offering a lowball settlement
- Multiple parties were involved in the accident
- There’s disagreement about who was at fault
The attorneys at McCormick & Murphy P.C. understand the challenges you and your family face following a personal injury. They’re dedicated to helping clients work through the legal process with personal care and attention, so you can focus on recovery.
Located at 301 N Main St in Pueblo, they’ve been helping Colorado residents with personal injury and insurance bad faith cases since 1995. If you have questions about your accident or need help dealing with insurance companies, give them a call at (888)-668-1182.
Final Thoughts
Nobody plans for car accidents, but being prepared with knowledge can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Taking thorough photos and documentation might feel overwhelming right after an accident, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself financially.
Remember, insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay out. Having solid evidence levels the playing field and helps ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
The key is being thorough, staying organized, and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to document everything properly. And if you’sre dealing with serious injuries or complex insurance issues, don’t hesitate to get professional legal help. It could make all the difference in your recovery – both physically and financially.
Stay safe out there, Pueblo. But if the unexpected happens, now you know how to protect yourself with proper documentation.
