What Photos to Take After a Car Accident (The Evidence Checklist That Actually Helps Your Claim)

Kelly Geraghty on December 30, 2025

Right after a crash, you are not thinking like an investigator. You are thinking, “Is everyone okay?” That is the right priority. But if you can safely take photos, the images you capture in the first 5 to 10 minutes often become the best proof of what happened later.

If you are dealing with injuries or insurance pushback, you can speak with a Denver car accident attorney here: Car Accident Attorney Denver or reach us here: Contact.

Related guides in this series

Before you take photos: safety rules

  • Do not stand in traffic to get the “perfect angle.”
  • If you are on a highway shoulder, stay alert and move to a safe area.
  • If you have serious pain, dizziness, or possible head/neck injury, get medical help first.

For the full step-by-step Denver crash checklist, follow the full Colorado crash checklist.

The photo checklist that matters most (take these first)

If you only have 60 seconds, focus on the items below.

1) Wide shots of the full scene

Take 4 to 8 wide photos that show:

  • Both vehicles in relation to the road
  • Lane markings and turn lanes
  • Traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs
  • Cross streets and nearby landmarks

Why it matters: These photos explain the story better than a close-up of damage.

2) Photos that show vehicle positions (before anything moves)

If it is safe and vehicles have not been moved yet, photograph:

  • The position of each vehicle
  • The angle of impact
  • The distance between vehicles and the intersection or lane divider

Why it matters: Vehicle position helps establish how the crash happened.

3) Clear photos of damage (all cars, all angles)

Take:

  • Each side of each vehicle (front, back, left, right)
  • Close-ups of impact points
  • Paint transfer, broken plastic, dents, and scrapes

Tip: Take one close-up and one “medium” shot for context.

4) License plates and identifying details

Photograph:

  • The other driver’s plate
  • Your plate
  • Any visible company logos (delivery vans, work trucks)
  • VIN (optional, usually inside the door frame or windshield)

If the crash involves a commercial vehicle, you may want to learn more about how these claims differ: Truck accident.

Extra evidence photos that can make a big difference

5) Road and environment details

Capture:

  • Skid marks
  • Debris field
  • Fluid trails
  • Potholes, construction zones, signage issues
  • Weather conditions (snow, rain, glare, darkness)

6) Traffic controls and visibility

Take photos of:

  • Signal lights from each approach
  • Stop sign placement
  • Obstructions (parked vehicles, tree branches, glare, curves)

7) Witness and camera opportunities

You generally do not need to photograph a witness, but you should document:

  • The business or building that might have a camera
  • The intersection where a camera may exist
  • Any dash cam stickers visible on vehicles

Here’s what information to collect from witnesses and drivers at the scene.

Injury photos: what to do and when

If you have visible injuries, take photos:

  • The same day as the crash
  • Again over the next few days as bruising appears
  • In consistent lighting when possible

Important: Your health comes first. If you feel symptoms, get evaluated.

What to photograph for hit-and-runs

If the other driver flees, try to capture:

  • The fleeing vehicle (even if blurry)
  • Partial plate number
  • Make/model/color
  • Direction they went
  • Any debris they left behind

Related: Hit-and-run and Uninsured motorist help.

What to photograph for rideshare crashes (Uber or Lyft)

If you are a rideshare passenger or involved in a rideshare crash, also capture:

  • Screenshots of the ride status (driver assigned, trip active, etc.)
  • Driver name and vehicle info from the app
  • Any trip receipts or confirmation screens

Related: Uber or Lyft accident.

The biggest photo mistakes people make

  • Only taking close-ups of damage (no wide context)
  • Not photographing lane markings and traffic controls
  • Forgetting to capture the other driver’s plate
  • Taking one blurry photo and assuming it is usable
  • Waiting until later after vehicles are moved and the scene is cleared

If you want a quick next step after you capture evidence, here is what to say to insurance after a Denver car accident.

When it makes sense to call a Denver car accident attorney

Photos help. But if you have injuries, a disputed fault situation, or pressure from insurance, getting legal guidance early can prevent costly mistakes.

Start here: Car Accident Attorney Denver or Contact. You can also review the broader practice area: Motor Vehicle Accidents.

If you want a general step-by-step overview of what to do after a crash, this page can help right now: What should you do after a car accident?