Using Photographs to Document Your Car Accident Injuries

The adage goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. The idea is that showing someone something is much more impactful than attempting to describe it to them. This philosophy is true in the legal world, as well. After you are injured in a car accident, dog bite, or other personal injury matter, making a claim to an insurance company will ultimately require an evaluation by the insurance adjuster. If the claim does not go well, it will also be examined by a judge or jury. Documenting your damages correctly is one easy way to help boost your claim to the next level.

From the beginning, you should be taking photographs or video evidence of your damages. After a car accident, it is as simple as evidencing the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the collision. Perhaps the interior of your vehicle is disheveled after the crash. Taking photos of these items will show the jury the true forces that were in play when your car was impacted. The same goes for your own physical damages, as well. Bruises, cuts, blood may not be pleasant to look at, but that is exactly what will show the jury the life you were forced to endure.

This recommendation does not just lend itself to the day of the incident, but it should be in the back of your mind until you are back to normal. Documenting the progress of your injury is a good way to show both the ongoing severity of your damages and to give the claim’s adjuster a look inside your life while you recovered. Once a claim file number is assigned, often insurance company’s stop looking at you like a person. They analyze the factors (or often have a computer analyze the issues), and then regurgitate the same offers time and time again. Showing the adjuster – and more importantly the jury – the humanity behind the damages is key to a successful personal injury claim.

Video can be an important tool and will provide the jury with a great piece of evidence to review in the jury room. Especially in cases with more substantial injuries, a few pieces of video evidence can make a major difference in case evaluation. In a trial, the jury will likely only see the injured party sitting and maybe walking to the jury stand. The injured individual will describe how they continue to have problems getting dressed in the morning, need help bathing every day, and how just doing normal chores is difficult. Video – if it is done well – can transport the jury into your daily life. It can show the jury just how hard your life is and tells your story much better than oral testimony.

At the law offices of Magnuson Lowell PS, we pride ourselves on working with our clients to make sure their stories are well known. Our qualified and experienced attorneys go to great lengths to make sure the person in personal injury is not ignored. From the date of the incident to the date of trial, we are there to support you. Call today for a free case evaluation!

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