Photographs can play a powerful role in strengthening your personal injury claim. In Vermont, where the burden of proof rests on the injured party, documenting your injuries, the scene of the incident, and related damages can be a deciding factor in whether you receive fair compensation—or walk away with nothing. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys often look for gaps in evidence. A well-documented photo timeline can help fill those gaps, show the severity of injuries, and support your version of events.

Here’s what you need to know about what to photograph after a personal injury in Vermont, and how to do it in a way that adds credibility and value to your case.

Why Photographic Evidence Matters in Vermont Injury Cases

In personal injury claims, evidence often comes down to credibility. Photos offer visual confirmation that can make or break your case. They help reconstruct the scene, validate your injuries, and paint a timeline of your suffering and recovery. In Vermont, where modified comparative negligence applies, strong evidence can also protect you from being assigned a disproportionate share of fault.

Even if the injury seems minor at first, circumstances can change. A bruise might become infected. A car might be quickly repaired. Without photos, those details disappear—along with their value in court.

Photograph the Accident Scene Immediately

Capture the Conditions That Contributed to the Incident

Take wide shots and close-ups of the scene where the injury occurred. If you slipped on ice, photograph the patch and the surrounding area, especially if there were no warning signs or mats. For auto accidents, document all vehicles involved, including license plates, road signs, skid marks, and traffic signals.

Include Environmental Factors

Lighting, weather, and time of day may be relevant. If poor lighting contributed to a trip-and-fall accident or if snow and ice were present, get clear images that timestamp the environmental conditions. Vermont winters can dramatically impact liability.

Document All Visible Injuries Promptly and Repeatedly

Initial Injury Photos

Photograph your injuries as soon as possible. Include bruises, cuts, swelling, bandages, stitches, and any assistive devices like crutches or braces. Use good lighting and shoot from multiple angles. Include both close-up and full-body context shots.

Healing Timeline

Continue documenting your injuries during the recovery process. This creates a visual record of how long healing took—and whether full recovery was even possible. Chronic conditions that result in scarring or mobility issues should be documented long-term.

Photograph Property Damage and Personal Belongings

In car accidents, be sure to photograph all property damage to the vehicle—inside and out. Include broken glass, deployed airbags, dents, or leaks. For slip-and-fall cases or workplace injuries, include damaged clothing, shoes, or broken accessories.

If a phone, eyeglasses, or laptop was broken in the incident, take pictures of those as well. These images can help with reimbursement and show the force or severity of the event.

Take Photos of the Aftermath and Daily Life Impact

Medical Devices and Mobility Aids

Photograph all equipment related to your injury—wheelchairs, neck braces, slings, casts, or orthopedic boots. These not only prove the extent of the injury but also reflect how your life was affected.

Changes to Daily Living

Show how the injury interferes with normal activities. If you need help showering, driving, or dressing, photos can make that impact real to a jury. If modifications were made to your home—such as ramps, shower bars, or hospital beds—include those images too.

Don’t Forget Official Documents and Scene Markers

While less dramatic than injury photos, images of documents and site-specific warnings (or lack thereof) are just as important.

Police Reports, Citations, and Notices

Take pictures of any relevant documents you receive at the scene or shortly after—such as incident reports, citations issued, or repair notices. These are often needed before you receive official copies.

Business or Property Conditions

For injuries in public or commercial spaces, photograph signage—or the absence of it. Missing “wet floor” signs, broken stair rails, or unsecured carpets can be evidence of negligence.

Tips for Effective Photo Documentation

• Use a smartphone or digital camera with a timestamp feature.
• Take both wide and close-up shots to show scale and detail.
• Photograph from multiple angles to provide a more complete picture.
• Keep backups of all images in cloud storage or a secure drive.
• Don’t edit or filter images. They must be authentic to maintain credibility.

Even if you believe you’ve already captured everything, take more photos than you think you’ll need. Over-documenting is far better than missing a critical detail later on.

When You Can’t Take Photos Yourself

If your injuries prevent you from moving around safely or handling a camera, ask someone else at the scene—or a trusted friend or family member—to document the evidence. In some cases, your attorney may hire a professional investigator or accident reconstruction expert who can return to the site and gather what’s needed.

How Vermont Law Views Photo Evidence

Vermont civil courts generally admit photographic evidence as long as the images are authentic, relevant, and not digitally altered. Having photos that correspond to official reports or medical records adds weight to your claim. They may be used during settlement negotiations or presented at trial to help establish liability and damages.

Conclusion

In a Vermont personal injury case, well-timed photographs can do more than just tell your story—they can validate it. Whether you're dealing with a slip-and-fall, motor vehicle collision, or workplace injury, visual documentation helps fill in the gaps between your testimony and the written record. By photographing the scene, your injuries, and your day-to-day reality, you build a compelling body of evidence that insurance adjusters and juries can’t ignore. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait. Start taking pictures today—and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you in putting that evidence to use.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Vermont Personal Injury Claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.