What Photos Should I Take at the Accident Scene, and How?

In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, details can become a blur. Memories fade, stories can change, but a photograph tells an undeniable truth. Your smartphone is the single most powerful tool you have at the scene to protect yourself, and the photos you take in those first few minutes can become the cornerstone of a successful insurance claim. They are your unbiased witness, capturing the scene exactly as it was.

But it’s not enough to just snap a few random pictures of a dent. To be truly effective, your photos need to tell a complete story—the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “how” of the collision. So, what exactly should you be capturing?

Think of yourself as a detective. This guide provides a lawyer’s checklist on exactly what to photograph and how to do it, turning your photo gallery into a powerful file of evidence.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• The Big Picture (Wide Shots): Capture the entire scene from multiple angles to show the context of the accident, including vehicle positions, traffic signs, and road conditions.
  
   
• The Story (Medium Shots): Take photos that show the relationship between the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and relevant landmarks.
  
   
• The Details (Close-Ups): Get detailed shots of the damage to all vehicles involved, making sure to photograph the points of impact clearly.
  
   
• The Proof (Documents & More): Photograph the other driver’s license plate, insurance card, and any visible injuries you may have.
  
   
• Safety First: Only take photos when it is completely safe to do so. Your well-being is the top priority.

First and Foremost: Be Safe!

Before you even think about taking pictures, ensure you are in a safe location. If you are on a busy road like I-5, move to the shoulder or sidewalk if possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Never stand in the middle of traffic to get a photo. No picture is worth risking your life.

The Photo Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. The “Big Picture” Photos: Tell the Story of the Scene

These wide-angle shots set the stage. The goal is to show the environment where the accident happened. Take these from a distance (20-30 feet away, if safe).

• All Four Corners: Walk to all four corners of the intersection or crash area and take a wide shot from each direction. This captures all traffic signs and signals.
  
   
• The Approach: Try to photograph the scene from the direction each vehicle was traveling. This helps illustrate each driver’s point of view just before the impact.
• Overall Context: Make sure your photos include landmarks, weather conditions (wet roads, sun glare), and the general flow of traffic.
  
   

2. The “Medium” Photos: Show the Relationship Between Objects

Now, move a little closer. These photos connect the dots and show how the pieces of evidence relate to one another.

• Vehicle Positions: Before the cars are moved, photograph their final resting positions relative to each other and to landmarks like lane lines, curbs, or crosswalks.
  
   
• Skid Marks and Debris: These are crucial pieces of evidence. Take clear photos of any tire marks on the pavement or any broken parts that have fallen off the vehicles. These can help an expert reconstruct the accident.
  
   
• Traffic Controls: Get clear, readable shots of any stop signs, speed limit signs, or traffic lights relevant to the scene.

3. The “Close-Up” Photos: Document Every Detail

This is where you zoom in on the specifics. Be thorough!

• Damage to ALL Vehicles: Walk around every vehicle involved—including your own—and take pictures of every dent, scratch, and broken part.
  • How to do it: Take photos from multiple angles (straight-on, from the side, from above). A close-up of a dent is good, but a second photo from a few feet back showing where that dent is on the car is even better.
• Points of Impact: Clearly photograph the specific areas where the vehicles made contact. Paint transfer between cars is excellent evidence.
• License Plates & VIN: Get a clear, readable photo of every car’s license plate. If you can, also take a photo of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, usually visible through the windshield on the driver’s side dashboard.
  
   

4. The “Proof” Photos: Documents and Injuries

Finally, use your camera to document the official information and any immediate physical harm.

• The Other Driver’s Documents: Politely ask to photograph the other driver’s license and their current insurance card. This is often faster and more accurate than writing the information down.
  
   
• Your Visible Injuries: If you have any visible cuts, bruises, or scrapes, take photos of them.
  • Important Note: Remember, many serious injuries like whiplash or concussions are not visible. The absence of a photo is not proof you weren’t hurt. You must see a doctor regardless of what you can or can’t see.

By following this checklist, you create a powerful, unbiased record of the accident. This visual evidence can make a huge difference when dealing with insurance companies and can be the most valuable tool you provide to your attorney.

After you have safely captured the evidence, your next step is to get professional guidance on how to use it. If you’ve been in an accident in the Tacoma area and need help making sense of your situation, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Through our detailed lawyer listings, based on real client experiences from Google Reviews, you can find a qualified professional who knows how to turn the photos you took into a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.

References

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Documenting an accident: A guide from a leading safety organization on the steps to take after a crash, including what to photograph. https://www.iihs.org/topics/vehicle-insurance#documenting-an-accident
• Washington State Department of Licensing – Report a collision: Official guidance on a driver’s reporting duties, underscoring the importance of official documentation. https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/report-collision