Pictures Speak Louder Than Words
Slip and falls happen without warning, yet it may not be obvious what to do when they occur. Amidst the shock and potential injuries, taking out your phone to take pictures may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, pictures taken after a fall can become your best friend if you need to make a personal injury claim. This includes taking pictures of any hazards at the scene, such as patches of ice or liquid spills, and of any visible injuries you may have suffered. Here are some of the reasons why taking pictures after a slip and fall is of utmost importance:
1.) Establishing Fault:
One of the primary reasons to take pictures after an accident is to help establish liability and fault. For slip and fall cases, the injured party must show that the defendant was negligent or, in certain cases, grossly negligent. For example, if you were to slip on a patch of ice at the gas station, the onus is on you to prove that the owner was negligent in taking care of the property.
Pictures go a long way in helping prove that a scene was hazardous at the time of a slip-and-fall accident. The scene where the accident took place can change quickly. The ice you slipped on can melt, and the spill you slipped on may get cleaned up. However, taking pictures in the immediate aftermath will provide evidence of the hazards that were present. This evidence will be invaluable if you decide to make a personal injury claim.
2.) Helping your memory:
In the aftermath of a slip and fall, details may become fuzzy, and memories can start to blur on what exactly happened. Injuries may not be apparent for days or weeks after the accident, and it may be months before you get a chance to speak to a lawyer. Photos can be a vital tool to help you correctly remember the scene and the surrounding circumstances, including the weather and time of day. This clarity can be crucial in ensuring all details are communicated to your lawyer, which can increase the chances of you succeeding with a personal injury claim.
3.) Proving your claim:
You may hope or believe that your word will be enough to make a successful personal injury claim after a slip and fall accident. However, the reality is that insurance claims are complex, and often, only your word will likely not be enough to prove the other party’s negligence. Insurance claims often get contentious, with parties disagreeing with the events and injuries that have occurred. Pictures of the scene and your visible injuries will provide objective evidence, making it harder for the opposing party to deny your version of events.
When taking pictures, it’s important you be as thorough as possible. This includes taking as many pictures as possible of anything relevant at the scene, including any hazards and witness information that was present. When it comes to injuries, you should photograph any visible bruises or cuts you have. This becomes even more important if you cannot visit your doctor immediately after suffering an injury.
If you are ever in a slip-and-fall accident, remember pictures, pictures, pictures. Photos can be the difference between a successful claim versus an uphill battle to get compensated for your injuries.