Photos Are An Asset In Legal Procedures

HOLMDEL, N.J. - June 13, 2013 - PRLog -- People involved in an accident or who sustain property damage to home or vehicle, should reach for their cell phones. Today, technological advances are such that most cell phones have cameras, which is a great advantage when accidents or property damage happens.

“‘A picture is worth a thousand words.’ We’ve all heard the quote, but if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, a slip/trip and fall accident or sustain property damage to your home or auto, a picture can be invaluable,” says attorney Sandra M. Guage. “This is where your cell phone now becomes your best weapon should you need to file a lawsuit or submit a claim to your insurance carrier.”

Guage recommends that those involved in a motor vehicle accident should take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to both (or all) vehicles, debris in the roadway, skid marks, etc. Photographs will prompt memories of the accident at a later date and capture facts at the time of the accident that could later be forgotten.

Those that suffer injuries through slip/trip and fall incidents are cautioned to take photos of what caused the slip or trip, as well as the surrounding scene. There will be no question later at the time of a deposition or trial as to what caused you to fall.

Guage shares her own experience with using photographic evidence to get results: “A tree fell on my house during Superstorm Sandy. I took pictures with my phone and was able to immediately email them to my insurance claims adjuster, even when we had no power. The very next day after Superstorm Sandy, my claim was submitted and my adjuster had all the photographic evidence he needed to start the process on his end. My adjuster was at my home by the end of the week and within a month, not only was my claim settled, but my roof was repaired!”

Having a cell phone that takes pictures can be a priceless tool in litigation. It will help memorialize events and details that may later be forgotten or overlooked. Photos are irreplaceable as memory triggers. The sights, the sounds, the people, the smells all come rushing back just by looking at a photo.

“Take as many pictures as you can to document the incident. Go home, upload the photos to your computer and save them in a file with the date and approximate time you took the photographs,” said Guage. “If you are unfortunate enough to have to file a claim or a lawsuit, you have now become your best advocate by documenting the incident.”

Guage is Of Counsel with the Law Office of Nancy L. Holm, LLC, New Jersey Limited Liability Company, a full-service, general practice law firm located in Monmouth County, N.J., serving clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit http://www.holmlawnj.com or telephone (732) 444-6406.