Why Your Photos After a Car Accident in Singapore Could Save You Thousands

A split-second collision on Singapore’s busy expressways can lead to months of insurance headaches and legal complications if not handled properly. With over 7,000 traffic accidents involving an injury reported annually according to Singapore Police Force statistics 1 , every driver should know exactly how to document an accident scene effectively through photos and video footages.

Imagine being in a busy expressway along CTE, and suddenly the car in front swerve into your lane and slammed his brakes.

You could not react in time.

Your car bumper clashes with his car doors.

Should you..?

• Move your car so that you do not obstruct traffic.
• Stop the car and take photos quickly.
• I don't know what to do. Send help pls.
• Run away!! @.@

There really isn't a definite answer in such cases, and running away should never be an option. The most important thing to do is to ensure the safety of everyone when considering your options.

• When possible, stop immediately after the accident has occurred, turn on Hazard light and exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so (look left, look right).

• If it is not safe to do the above, turn on Hazard light and move your vehicle slowly to one side to not obstruct traffic flow.

• Take a few photos and exchange particulars/NRIC/Driver License.

Now, the question is what kind of pictures are useful in relation to the accident when pursuing a Car Insurance Accident Claim? Isn't our in-car dash camera sufficient evidence to show the accident?

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We do not need skilled photographers. Just proper accident photography that is clear and comprehensive enough to depict how the accident occurred. Your accident scene footages should:

1. Provide indisputable evidence for insurance claims

2. Protect against fraudulent or exaggerated claims

3. Prevent any further disputes after private settlement agreement on extent of damages

Video evidence is critical as well, so be sure to take out your SD card immediately. We have unfortunate cases of video being overwritten or not working and thus unable to fully substantiate the case for a clear liability. This makes your accident scene photos even more critical and should not be neglected.

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"Let The Photos Do The Talking"

Bear in mind that each photo you capture should be narrating how the accident occurred to the reader. The most common mistake that drivers tend to do is to focus only on the damage of your car, and neglect the road context. It is important to know that during the accident reporting at your authorized reporting center, a round of photos of your car and the damage will be taken. So, as long as your photos have the same consistent damage shown, the Insurance claim will take it as consistent to the accident.

Enough said, what better way to differentiate a GOOD photo from a BAD one than to look at examples!

A good set of accident scene photos should:

• capture different angles of the accident, not just the damage on your car (though its the primary concern at that point in time).

• show all the vehicles involved in the accident and license plate numbers (if possible).

• show the surroundings of the accident scene, preferably able to see the direction of traffic.

• show the property damage between vehicles and/or objects.

The above photos can be taken as a guide so that you know what kind of photos can help your case. It is advisable to get a set of near and far shots of the scene and at different angles.

Real Consequences of Poor Documentation

Despite having some agreement to one party's fault, the other party's accident report may tell a different story during the car accident insurance claim stage. Now, the evidence of the accident will come in handy, be it photos or video footages of the car accident. As a workshop with many decades of experience doing Insurance Claim for motor incidents, we have seen cases where there could be a full admission of liability (meaning 100% payout by 3rd Party Insurance for repairs and costs involved). However, with little to no photo/video evidence of the accident, it is up to both party's interpretation of what transpired leading up to the unfortunate accident. As such, the Insurer may only pay up to 50% of liability, and the rest may require the owner to bear the costs (case-to-case basis).

This may happen during private settlement as well where areas which are not involved in the accident may be brought up for repair. This would cause unnecessary disputes with the between drivers and in some instances, bringing up to a legal suit.

Did you know that 80-90% of car accidents are due to human error and negligence? 2

Car accidents is something that no one would like to be involved in. Nevertheless, it is important to know what to do when it happens, as you might be disorientated and stunned by the impact. Remember, drive slow and stay safe!

References:

1. SPF Traffic Accidents 2024 https://www.police.gov.sg/-/media/FEFF9AAD3B474DC6A850C5A6FBE15918.ashx

2. Car accident statistics in Singapore: https://lawgazette.com.sg/practice/practice-support/contributory-factors-to-traffic-collisions/#:~:text=Among%20them%2C%20human%20factors%20are,90%20per%20cent%20of%20collisions.