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Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Car accidents are unpredictable and stressful. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious crash, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between dealing with injuries, talking to law enforcement, and notifying your insurance company, it’s easy to overlook a crucial step—taking pictures of the accident scene.
Photographs can make all the difference in proving what really happened. They serve as solid evidence for your insurance claim, help establish who was at fault, and can be used in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary. Yet, many accident victims either forget to take pictures or don’t know what exactly they should capture.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking effective accident photos, the common mistakes to avoid, and how this simple step can make or break your case. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or preparing for a potential legal battle, the right photos can save you time, money, and stress.
If you’ve ever had to deal with an insurance company after an accident, you already know they don’t make it easy. Adjusters often look for ways to devalue your claim or shift blame.
Photographs provide undeniable proof of what happened. They capture the extent of damage, show injuries sustained, and highlight road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Without pictures, it’s your word against the other driver’s—and that’s a dangerous position to be in.
“According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, over 50,000 traffic accidents occur annually in the state, emphasizing the importance of proper accident documentation.”
In states like Nevada, where comparative negligence laws apply, having clear photographic evidence can determine how much compensation you receive. If both drivers are found partially at fault, the share of fault directly affects the settlement amount.
Not all accident photos carry the same weight. For your pictures to be helpful, they need to capture key details from the right angles and perspectives.
Take close-up shots of dents, scratches, and shattered glass. Get wide-angle photos to show the full extent of the damage. This ensures no one can exaggerate or downplay what happened.
If you suffered any visible injuries, take clear images immediately and continue documenting them over the following days. Insurance adjusters and legal defense teams often argue that injuries weren’t from the accident—having a visual record refutes these claims.
Include traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and any debris that might have contributed to the accident. For example, a missing stop sign or a large pothole could be crucial details that determine fault.
If the other driver tries to deny involvement or flee the scene, having a photo of their license plate and vehicle can be the difference between an easy claim and a long battle.
Photograph businesses or traffic lights that might have cameras recording the accident. If witnesses are present, ask if you can take a picture of their ID or note their contact information.
“Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484E.070, drivers involved in an accident must report it to the police, making photographic evidence critical for accurate reporting.”
Many drivers don’t realize how important photos are until it’s too late. Some of the biggest mistakes include:
Insurance companies often try to undermine claims by questioning the extent of damage or injuries. Without solid photographic proof, they may:
Having timestamped, high-quality images makes it harder for them to deny your claim and increases your chances of a fair settlement.
| Category | What to Capture | Why It’s Important |
| Vehicle Damage | Close-up and wide-angle shots of dents, scratches, and impact points. | Helps assess repair costs and liability. |
| Injuries | Cuts, bruises, swelling, and any visible injuries. | Supports medical claims and personal injury lawsuits. |
| Accident Scene | Road conditions, weather, debris, traffic signs, skid marks. | Provides context to accident circumstances. |
| Other Vehicles | Photos of all involved vehicles and their license plates. | Identifies responsible parties and prevents hit-and-run cases. |
| Witness Information | Any bystanders who saw the accident and their contact details. | Supports your version of events if disputes arise. |
Take photos of vehicle damage, visible injuries, the accident scene, road conditions, and license plates. These images serve as strong evidence for insurance claims and legal cases.
Insurance adjusters use photos to determine damages and establish liability. Without clear images, companies may downplay damages or dispute claims.
Yes. Timestamped, clear, and well-documented accident photos are accepted in court to support injury claims and liability arguments.
Gather witness statements, obtain police reports, and check for security camera footage nearby. Document your injuries and vehicle damage as soon as possible.
They can try, but well-taken, timestamped photos make it difficult for them to deny liability or downplay injuries.
Take them immediately and continue documenting them over the next several days. Some injuries become more visible after 24-48 hours.
A car accident can turn your life upside down, but taking clear, well-documented photos can make the aftermath much easier to handle. Your pictures serve as solid proof of what happened, making it difficult for insurance companies or the other driver to deny, dispute, or downplay your claim.
By capturing vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and license plate details, you give yourself the best chance at getting the compensation you deserve. In cases where liability is unclear, these images can provide critical evidence to establish fault and prevent false accusations or unfair settlements.
However, even with strong photo evidence, dealing with insurance adjusters and legal complexities can be overwhelming. That’s where an experienced car accident attorney comes in.
At Gina Corena & Associates, we fight for accident victims, ensuring that insurance companies don’t take advantage of them. If you’ve been in a car accident in Las Vegas, our legal team can help you build a strong case, negotiate with insurers, and maximize your compensation.
Don’t let an insurance company undervalue your claim. Contact Gina Corena & Associates today for a free case evaluation, and let us handle the legal side while you focus on recovery.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
