There is no substitute for photographs and video footage of both the crash and all of your injuries. Read this chapter to learn the what, when, where, why, and how.
Photographs are great; video footage is a good addition (not a substitute). Only take video footage if you own your own video camera or you can get your hands on one from a friend or family member. It’s not necessary to go out and buy a video camcorder. Note that some digital cameras can take short video footage. Maybe your camera does.
Don’t worry if you’re not an expert photographer. Basic digital technology today or even disposable cameras will do the job nicely. Just get the photographs taken as soon as possible and do your best.
If you’re too hurt to take photographs or video, then ask someone to take photographs and video for you.
What should you take photographs and video footage of?
1. Your injuries: photographs are best, video can be helpful;
2. The car crash scene: photographs are important, video is very helpful.
1. Your injuries
If your injuries are not visible (i.e. back pain), then don’t bother taking photographs. If, however, your injuries are in anyway visible, then photograph them.
If you had surgery, get photographs of the area where you had surgery as soon after your surgery as possible. I suggest that you continue taking photographs periodically over time documenting your post-surgery healing process.
If you use aids such as crutches or a wheelchair, get photographs and video, if possible.
If you have a cast or any other bandaging, get photographs of it.
Digital cameras permit unlimited photographs, so experiment with the light, angles and distance to ensure you end up with a good variety of quality pictures.
I recommend you take photographs of your injuries over the course of your recovery. For every batch of photographs you or someone else takes, ensure you note down who took them and the date taken.
2. The crash scene
A few photographs taken of the crash scene as soon as possible after the crash can be helpful, especially if ICBC is saying the crash was your fault. If you hire a lawyer, she or he will most likely get photographs of the scene. However, no matter how good your lawyer’s photos are, yours can be the most important because they were taken the soonest.
Caution – don’t jeopardize your recovery
Whatever you do, don’t jeopardize your recovery to get photographs or other evidence. Your recovery is your number one goal. For instance, if you were injured a long distance away from your home or you aren’t very mobile; don’t worry about not getting photographs. Photographs and video are helpful to your claim, but they are not worth it if it causes you more harm. Remember, you or your lawyer can get photographs later on if necessary.
