If you’ve been in a car crash in Harrisburg, taking clear, thorough photos of the damage might be the most important thing you do besides seeking medical care. Strong documentation can help prove your case, protect your financial recovery, and stop insurers from lowballing you.
At our practice, our Harrisburg car accident lawyers have seen the importance of capturing evidence at the scene, especially before memories fade or vehicles are repaired. If you’re not sure what to document or how to do it right, our dedicated team at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, can help ensure you don’t overlook anything.
Start With Ensuring Everyone’s Safety, Then Start Documenting
Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe. Move to the shoulder if you can and call 911. Once it’s safe and you’re physically capable, take out your phone and begin capturing the scene. A solid set of photos and videos gives insurers and attorneys the context they need. Make sure to focus on:
- Close-ups of all vehicle damage. Don’t just snap one side. Document every dent, crack, and broken piece from multiple angles.
- Wide shots of the scene. These show where the vehicles ended up, including intersections, traffic signs, and skid marks.
- Injuries, if visible, such as cuts, bruises, or airbag burns. Anything you or a passenger sustained should be included.
- License plates, VIN numbers, and registration info. Snap a quick shot of each.
- The weather and road conditions. Rain, ice, poor lighting, or damaged roadways can all become key details in a liability claim.
These images don’t just support your story. They likewise help establish what the insurer can’t deny. If their adjuster never sees your car in person, your photos become the only record they rely on.
How Vehicle Damage Evidence Helps Your Case
When you’re negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, clear documentation tells a story. It paints a picture of how the crash happened, how hard the impact was, how much force hit your car, and what that says about who was at fault. In Pennsylvania, fault-based property damage claims still require proof. A blurry photo or vague estimate just won’t cut it.
If the other driver disputes your version of events, the photos often become the clearest, most persuasive evidence you have. Likewise, if your case ends up in litigation, your Harrisburg car accident attorney may bring in crash reconstruction experts who rely heavily on your original images and reports to strengthen your claim.
However, the insurer may still push back, even if you have solid documentation. When this happens, your Harrisburg car accident lawyer will protect the evidence, interview witnesses, and request traffic or surveillance footage that may not be saved for long. They also know how insurance companies operate and how they use partial documentation to underpay or deny claims. Their task is to close those gaps and make sure the insurer and the court see your losses for what they are.
Seek Legal Help From Our Car Accident Lawyers in Harrisburg
If you were hurt in a crash and need help documenting damage, negotiating with unscrupulous insurers, or recovering what you’re owed, our legal team at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, is here for you. To schedule your free case evaluation with our Harrisburg car accident attorneys, dial 717-229-6580 or contact us online.