Join our newsletter.

Documenting the Damage After an Auto Accident

Okay, the auto accident is over … now what?

If you’re like most people, you’ll want to get the car repaired as soon as possible. All you can think of is to get a tow truck and get the car to a repair shop.

Unfortunately, by doing only this, you will have denied an investigator the best chance of determining how the collision happened, how fast the cars were going, who was at fault, the direction of travel and liability.

Police don’t always document the scene well. Rarely do they take pictures. That falls on you. As soon as possible, take pictures of the cars while they’re still on the road. Take picture of the roadway, where gouge marks occurred, the length of skid marks, the specific damage to the cars, the insides of the cars, the condition of the occupants, and the location where the cars came to rest.

Film in this digital age is cheap, so take as many pictures from as many different angles as possible. You never know when one of the pictures will reveal something important to an investigator or accident reconstructionist.

It’s too late after the car has been handled by the tow truck operator or repaired at the shop. Investigators are not brought in until days or week later and by then the evidence will be gone. This is a vital process, particularly if you are planning to fight your case in court with the assistance of a Bucks County motor vehicle accident attorney.

Related News & Articles

If you reach the point where you are unable to make decisions regarding your medical care due to advanced age, an accident or an illness, a living will, trust and durable...

Attorney Craig Penglase has been named as the Solicitor for the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office. He will serve in that role though January 2022. As Solicitor Mr. Penglase will act as...

Taking on a power of attorney role for a loved one—often, this loved one will be an older family member, likely with failing health or mental faculties—is an enormous responsibility. The...

Unfortunately, in many cases, the person or persons responsible for the inci­dent may not tell the complete truth about the incident. It is human nature for many people to deny liability,...

Getting arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania can come with serious consequences. Even if it’s your first offense, a conviction can land you in jail, cost you your license for at least...

You drive this road every day. You know every turn, every stoplight, every sign. Every day, it’s pretty much the same drive. Then one day, it’s a different drive. You have...

You got probation and can breathe a huge sigh of relief now that you know you aren’t going to jail. But don’t forget, you aren’t free yet. Probation comes with conditions...

When a person injures you the law calls it a “tort.” When a person breaks a law created by the legislature it is called a crime. Most people who are harmed...

DUI enforcement in Pennsylvania entered unchartered territory this summer with the arrival of what’s known as the “ignition interlock law.” The law, which went into effect in August, affects both license...

When a marriage ends, financial complications can ensue. In addition to dividing property acquired during the marriage, the courts must make sure provisions are made for any children the couple has,...