Pictures are worth a thousand words. If you were involved in a car accident, the photos you take can go a long way toward strengthening your case.
Because Oklahoma is an at-fault insurance state, the insurer of a party who caused a car accident is financially responsible for damages. While this is great in that it holds the liable party accountable for his or her reckless behavior, it can pose some complications for the victim. One such complication involves recovering damages. At BDIW Law , our Ponca City car accident attorneys are adept in helping clients maximize their car accident settlements. One way in which we do that is by advising them of what they should do immediately after an accident, such as take pictures.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYThe Importance of Car Accident Photos
In the aftermath of a car accident, your number one priority should be your health. After performing a self-examination of your current physical condition, you should also get to a safe place and call both the authorities and someone who can take you to the nearest hospital. If you need to call an ambulance, do so. However, if you are able, take photos of the scene of the accident. Below are a few reasons why:
● Photos are the best evidence you have to show insurers and possibly jurors the extent of your injuries, vehicle damage, and property damage. They can also provide insurers with visuals of possibly relevant details such as posted traffic signs, skid marks, merge lanes, etc.
● Photos may be able to show the cause of the accident. For instance, skid marks coming into your lane clearly indicate that the other driver was in the wrong. If you have photos of these, it can be difficult for the other party’s insurer to deny that his or her client was in the wrong. Even if they do not clearly show the cause of the accident, photos can help corroborate your story.
● Photos can be used as evidence to substantiate your injuries. Though medical records can also do this, photos of your injuries after they just happened can go a long way toward earning at least some level of sympathy from an otherwise impassioned party.
In short, photos can go a long way toward proving your claim. Even if you think your case is straightforward, take photos. Insurance companies will do just about anything to either deny your claim or reduce your settlement. With the type of concrete evidence that photos provide, the insurance companies will have a harder time refuting your claims and be forced to pay you the full amount you requested.
Work With a Skilled Ponca City Car Accident Attorney
Even if you did everything right post-accident â you called the police, took photographs, sought medical care, and filed an insurance claim â there is a good chance that the insurance company will either deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement. An experienced and aggressive Ponca City car accident lawyer can prevent both from happening. If you want to increase your odds ofsuccess and maximize your settlement, contact the law firm of BDIW Law today to discuss your case.
