Latest Blogs

What should you do if you are in a vehicle accident? When accidents happen, emotions are often high, and the injuries may be severe. However, there are important things that should be done, if possible, before leaving the scene of the accident. They are:

1. Check on all drivers and passengers to see whether anyone needs medical attention.
2. Check to see whether there is any damage to the vehicles.
3. Call the police if there are injuries and/or damage.
4. Exchange information. It is important to get the names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers' license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all drivers involved. If there are passengers, also obtain their names, numbers, and addresses.
5. Take photos of the scene and any damage to any of the vehicles.

Why should photos be taken of the accident scene?

The proper preservation of evidence may make a difference in determining accident fault and liability. Those injured in accidents may seek relief through legal action when accidents happen because of a motorist’s negligence.

After accidents have been cleared from the roadways, it may be difficult to determine who was at fault and what happened, even with police accident reports. Cases may be disputed and fault may be difficult to prove. There is no substitute for having photographic evidence to present in court. Also, having photos may help refresh memories of what actually happened.

How to take effective photos at an accident scene.

According to AllAboutCarAccidents.com (NOLO), any camera will do including the cameras on cellphones. It is important to capture the details. The more photos the better as it is not possible to know what may be important later. Recommended photos are:

• Your vehicle and the damage it sustained
• The other vehicles involved in the accident, and the damage they sustained
• Any skid marks
• Any vehicle parts, shattered glass, or other debris that may have fallen onto the road
• The accident site (i.e. intersection, parking lot or other location)
• The environment/weather conditions, and
• Any visible bodily injuries to you, your passenger, and the other parties (if feasible and consented to)

It is further recommended that photos be taken from at least three different angles and distances. Close-up photos should be taken from a distance of one to five feet from the subject; medium distance from ten to fifteen feet away and long distance photos from twenty feet or more. Keeping a common landmark, according to AllAboutCarAccidents.com, in each of the photos helps demonstrate distance and scale.

Taking photos at vehicle accidents may be important to vehicle personal injury cases, but they are also important for other accidents, such as slip & fall accidents, swimming accidents or any accident where there are injuries as the result of another’s negligence.

“When you or a loved one is involved in any accident, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is important. The lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., have the experience to handle your case. Contact us to determine your rights,” said Naples Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.