Using Your Cell Phone to Document the Scene

Hints and tips from Carol Jordan.

Accidents are sudden and unpredictable. You may feel disoriented. It may be your first. Your cell phone can be a useful tool in documenting the accident scene.

Use your phone camera to photograph the damage to both vehicles.

Photo the other party’s license plate. When talking with the other party, ask to photo his/her driver’s license. This is particularly helpful should you not carry a pen and paper in your car (I can never find a pen or blank piece of paper when I need one.)  If the other party is not keen on this idea, have that party get out his/her phone and photo your license and license plate.

Photo the scene of the accident.  This should only take a few minutes. If necessary, use the phone to contact the police and/or a towing service.

Good documentation is key to reporting your accident to your insurance company. Cell phone cameras are a good tool for making this unpredictable situation easier to deal with.