Why Taking Photos After a Minor Car Accident Can Protect Your Claim
If another driver’s negligence injures you in a minor car accident in Pennsylvania, your claim may go through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. You’re required to carry $5,000 in medical coverage, which may suffice if your losses are minimal.
The fact is, however, that even a relatively minor accident can amount to a significant amount of physical, financial, and emotional loss. This makes gathering all the evidence that you can at the scene of the accident paramount, which includes capturing photos and videos. Another essential early move is consulting with an experienced Reading car accident attorney at Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C.
Seemingly Minor Accidents Can Cause Serious Losses
Even if you think the car accident in question was minor, you may have incurred more serious losses than you realize. For instance, property damage to your car and its contents can add up very quickly, even in a minor accident.
Additionally, the stress, shock, and adrenaline rush you experience in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence can mask symptoms and the serious nature of the accident. This is not to mention lost earnings and the physical and emotional pain and suffering you could suffer after the fact.
In other words, it’s essential to have a handle on the full scope of your losses before determining that a car accident was minor. Our savvy car accident lawyers are well prepared to handle the task.
Taking Good Photos Matters for Accidents in Reading
PIP coverage in Pennsylvania does not cover property damage to your car and its contents, which can be considerable even in a minor accident. This makes proving the other driver’s fault crucial. For that, you’ll need evidence, and photographic evidence is a primary source.
Pennsylvania’s Hybrid Approach
While Pennsylvania is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, it takes a hybrid approach. As such, you can file your claim against the driver whose negligence, such as impairment or excess speed, caused you to be injured if you carry full-tort coverage, which many drivers do. The same is true if your losses exceed the limits of your no-fault coverage, or PIP insurance.
In other words, the photos you take at the scene can go a long way toward bolstering your claim, and all the following sources can help:
- Photos and videos that you took in the aftermath of the accident
- Pictures and videos taken by bystanders or the occupants of other vehicles at any point during or after the accident
- Anything captured by dashcams or traffic cameras at any point during or after the accident
Consult with an Experienced Reading Car Accident Lawyer Today
The accomplished Reading car accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., take great pride in our proven track record for helping injured clients obtain fair compensation in accidents that range from minor to severe. We look forward to also helping you and encourage you to reach out for more information, contact us online, or call 484-869-2113 today.