By Steven Staggs

Take traffic collision photographs as soon as possible, before the scene can change. Show the relationship between objects in the scene. It may be a good idea to show camera locations on the field sketch.

Photographs at the Accident Scene

1. Show where the vehicles came to rest and in what position. Show the relationship of each vehicle with each other. Include some permanent, recognizable landmark in the photograph.
2. Photograph debris or marks on the roadway (such as tire marks and gouges)
3. Photograph skid marks. Take one photograph the direction of the mark to show the direction the vehicle was traveling. Take another photograph from the side to show the length of the skid mark. Photograph for the greatest depth of field possible. Photograph the contact patch on the tire and the top of the skid mark to show tire tread type. Use a polarizing filter to cut any reflection on the roadway surface.
4. Show the view each driver had approaching the key point of the accident. Show any view obstructions. Photograph from inside the vehicle. A 35mm lens will provide a good representation of a person’s view.
5. Photograph the view from the point a witness observed the accident, at witness’ eye level. A 35mm lens will provide a good representation of a person’s view.
6. Photograph evidence to identify hit and run vehicles. Photograph paint transfer, height of damage, pieces of suspect vehicle left at scene, tire impressions, and blood.
7. Photograph the interior of any vehicle in an injury or fatal accident. Show anything in the interior that indicates body contact. Use an electronic flash when photographing the interior of a vehicle.

Night Photography

Use multiple flash, painting with light, or available light for large scenes, extra long skid marks, or to show two vehicles some distance apart.


Technical Photographs of Damage to a Vehicle

• Vehicle damage is photographed to help reconstruct the accident. Reconstruction can determine how one vehicle fitted against another vehicle or fixed object, from what direction the major force came, whether the vehicle rolled over, or whether it had more than one collision during the accident.
• Take vehicle damage photographs at the scene before the vehicles are moved so they will show no additional damage due to removal operations.
• Take six photographs. Two from each side in line with the axles. Take one of each end of the vehicle, straight on. If possible, take one more from overhead. (Do not take any oblique or corner photographs to show damage because the photograph will not be aligned with the axis of the vehicle. Oblique photographs conceal the amount and direction of the damage.
• Use scales to indicate height and size of damage in the photographs.
• Always use electronic flash to fill in shadows within the damage.

Do not take oblique or corner photographs to show vehicle damage.
Oblique photographs conceal the amount and direction of the damage. Compare the appearance of the damage in the photograph above with the two photographs below.