Accident Scene Diagrams: How to Draw What Happened

After a car accident, you will have to explain what happened over and over again—to the police officer, to your insurance agent, and to your attorney. Describing the sequence of a collision with words alone can be incredibly difficult and confusing. Was the other car coming from the north or the south? Which lane were you in? Where exactly did the impact occur?

This is where a simple, hand-drawn diagram of the accident scene becomes an invaluable tool. A clear drawing can instantly cut through the confusion and provide a visual story of what happened that is far more powerful than a verbal description alone.

You don’t need to be an artist. The goal is not to create a masterpiece, but to create a clear, factual, and easy-to-understand representation of the accident. A good diagram can help the police officer complete their report accurately and is a crucial piece of evidence to share with your attorney to help them understand the dynamics of your case.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• A Diagram Clarifies Your Story: A simple drawing is the most effective way to explain the sequence of events in a car accident.
• Keep it Simple: Use simple shapes like rectangles for cars and straight lines for roads. The goal is clarity, not artistic detail.
• Label Everything: Clearly label streets, vehicles, traffic signs, and your direction of travel to avoid any confusion.
• Show the Sequence: Use arrows to show the direction of travel for all vehicles and dotted lines to show their path before the collision.
• Draw it While It’s Fresh: The best time to sketch out a diagram is as soon as you are safely away from the scene, while the details are still fresh in your memory.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Your Accident Diagram

Grab a piece of paper and a pen. We’ll build your diagram in layers.

Step 1: Draw the Roadway and Intersection

Start by sketching the basic layout of the road.

• Draw the streets: Use simple parallel lines. If it was an intersection, draw both streets crossing each other.
• Label the street names: Clearly write the name of the street you were on and the name of the cross-street (e.g., “S 19th St,” “Union Ave”).
• Add lane lines: Draw dotted lines for lanes and solid double yellow lines for the center.
• Include traffic controls: Draw and label any relevant stop signs, traffic lights (and note what color your light was), or crosswalks.
• Note the direction of travel: Add arrows and label the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West). This is crucial for orienting the viewer.

Step 2: Place the Vehicles and Show Their Path

Now, place the vehicles on your map.

• Use simple rectangles: You don’t need to draw a car; a simple, labeled box is perfect. Label your vehicle as “Me” or “Vehicle 1” and the other as “Other Driver” or “Vehicle 2.”
• Show pre-impact positions: Draw where each vehicle was just before the collision.
• Use arrows to show movement: Draw solid arrows to show the direction each vehicle was traveling.
• Mark the point of impact: Use a large “X” to clearly mark the spot where the collision occurred.

Step 3: Add Other Important Details

Include anything else that is relevant to the story of the accident.

• Skid marks: If there were skid marks, draw them on your diagram.
• Witnesses: If there were witnesses, you can place an “X” with a “W” next to it to show where they were standing.
• Obstructions: Was your view blocked by a large parked truck or a building on the corner? Draw it in.
• Your Location: You can even mark where you were standing when you took photos of the scene.

Why is Your Diagram So Powerful?

When you later have your free consultation with an attorney, bringing this simple, hand-drawn diagram along with your photos is incredibly helpful. It allows the lawyer to quickly and accurately visualize the accident, understand the liability issues, and give you a much more insightful assessment of your case. It serves as the visual anchor for all the other evidence you’ve collected.

A clear diagram ensures that your version of events is not lost in translation. If you’ve been in a car accident in the Tacoma area and have put together your evidence, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Compare profiles and find a trusted local attorney who can take your diagram, your photos, and your story and build a powerful, comprehensive case.

References

• Washington State Patrol – Vehicle Collision Report Form:The official state collision report form includes a dedicated section for a diagram, highlighting its importance in the official record. Reviewing this form can give you an idea of what officers look for.

  https://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Collision_Report_form-2021.pdf

• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – Driving Manual:The official driver guide for Washington, which contains diagrams of intersections and right-of-way rules that can be used as a reference for your own drawing.

  https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-guide