Truck drivers involved in a crash, either preventable or non-preventable, have many responsibilities at the scene of the collision. One of these responsibilities is documentation of the event. Taking pictures is a crucial part of documenting the scene and visually communicating the situation. Well-taken pictures help to tell a story by providing clear and graphic evidence of vehicle damage, personal injury, and other property damage. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.
During the orientation program, drivers should be trained on the picture taking process. They should understand that the pictures they take may help their employer in successfully mitigating the loss. Carriers might want to consider adding picture taking information to their vehicle crash kits, so that this information is readily available when they need it.
The following are a few tips for taking pictures at the scene of a collision:
- Take pictures of all involved vehicles
- Take pictures of all four sides of the vehicles
- Photograph license plates and VIN numbers
- Take regular and close-up shots of the damage
- Take pictures from the cab of the vehicle (provides a driver’s perspective)
- Take pictures of the surroundings (trees, bushes, shrubs, weather)
- Take photos of the roads road signs, traffic control devices, road construction, and temporary lane set-ups
- Photograph witnesses (and their license plates) and responding police
- Take pictures of claimants (if they are up and moving around – do not take pictures of injured people or blood stains)
- Take photos of any skid marks (try to include a point of reference – tree, sign, manhole cover, etc.)
We are here to answer your questions. Contact our Risk Management Specialist today!
Larry Barton
Risk Management Specialist | Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
O: 865.392.3777 | C: 865.771.9506
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.