This is a checklist of things to film or document at the scene of an accident to protect yourself from liability.

Smartphone Video and the Scene of an Accident

If you are in a car accident, one of the most valuable tools that you have is your smartphone. Careful documentation of everything around you is one way to avoid being blamed for things that were not your fault. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to document a scene in a way that can protect you.

Get Permission

Before you use your smartphone to film the cars, be open with the other driver or drivers that you will be doing this. This is important for several reasons. First, this creates a situation of permission. This means that if a lawsuit happens, particularly if you’re at fault, then it can be something to share with your Las Vegas auto accident attorney. Second, it may keep someone who is running an insurance scam from choosing to make you a victim, because you will have clear proof of the condition of both vehicles at the accident scene.

What to Document

There are a few things you need to capture on video if you can. State the date and time and show the greater scene; if the road was dark or curves were hidden by foliage or fog, this becomes clear. Perform a walk-through of the accident scene with close-ups on the damage. Finally, be sure to take shots of the license plates of all vehicles involved, including any parked witness vehicles.

Why Is This Important?

Most of the time, a police report will be agreed upon by everyone and documenting the accident won’t be important at all. However, in the rare cases where a minor fender bender becomes something much more complicated, this will serve as a way to show what was really going on during the accident. Even when everyone has the best intentions, memory can be fallible. Video footage allows everyone the chance to see things as they truly were.