Have you recently been involved in a car crash in Louisiana? Are you trying to navigate how you can recover compensation benefits for your medical bills, injuries, property damages, and lost wages? It is crucial to understand relevant Louisiana laws and how they can influence your situation.
Louisiana car accident victims risk legal, financial, and health burdens. However, understanding the importance of taking pictures of car accidents will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Why Should I Take Pictures of a Car Accident?
Most times, car crashes are merely straightforward. That is, someone or something caused it. To determine fair and accurate liability, pictures of a car crash can be vital, and the images taken should show the following:
- Cause of the accident
- Injuries victims sustained
- Whether or not other occupants or drivers were conscious after the crash, talking and walking, or engaging in activities that might worsen their injuries
- The impact of the crash on the vehicle(s) and properties
- Witnesses who were present when the crash happened and those who arrived after the crash
Time-stamped photos can show when the crash happened and how long it took emergency personnel and law enforcement agencies to arrive.
How Can I Take Accurate Pictures of a Car Crash?
It is important to take clear and accurate pictures at the scene, showing relevant details that will help those involved. As you begin taking pictures, ensure you have the following details in your shots:
- All Damaged Properties
Ensure you take pictures of all surrounding properties that got damaged due to the crash. Your images should be a mix of wide-angle and close-up shots.
Close-up shots should have accurate details of victims and properties, while wide-angle shots should focus on giving the context of the detailed picture.
- Pictures of Injuries
Pictures of injuries are one of the most vital aspects of documenting evidence. Take images of the injuries at the scene, the hospital they were admitted to, and their healing process. That way, no one will suddenly have serious injuries days after the crash.
- Others at the Scene
After an accident, people will show up. Take pictures of them, too. “It is great to include pictures of health practitioners, law enforcement, witnesses, and onlookers to boost the credibility of knowledge of the scene,” says car accident attorney Frank Tomeny III of Tomeny Best. “However, ensure the images are not intrusive and do not interfere with people’s rights.”
- The Surrounding Area
This includes streets close to the scene, street signs, buildings, stores, ranches, monuments, and other nearby vehicles. That can help identify who was at fault and what was at fault.
Legal Implications of Car Accidents in Louisiana
The legal consequences of causing a car crash in Louisiana are severe, irrespective of the cause. Here are some causes of car accidents and their legal implications:
Reckless driving and speeding
- Fines of up to $175
- Licenses can be suspended
- Increase in insurance premiums
- Imprisonment of up to five years if the accident is near-fatal
Distracted drivers
- They may face huge fines
- Imprisonment (for severe accidents leading to life-long injuries or death)
- An increase in insurance rate
- License suspension
- Social stigma
- Emotional trauma
Drug-related accidents
- Imprisonment for two days to six months
- Compulsory participation in drug abuse programs
- Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000
DUIs (alcohol-related accidents)
- Jail time can range from ten days to six months
- License suspension for up to a year
- Fines up to $1,000
Conclusion
Of course, it is not expected to take pictures of the scene if you are badly wounded. However, that does not reduce the importance of documenting evidence. You can always ask someone at the scene to take pictures of the crash, using your phone or camera, if that opportunity is available.
Source: TomenyBest.com
