Photograph the whole scene, then positions, then damage—and keep the original files
A close-up of a scratch or an object on the ground may not show where it was or what happened. Start with a wide view including the junction or address, vehicles, people, and surroundings; then show their relative positions; then capture damage or injuries. If something must be moved, photograph it first when safe and feasible. Retain originals on the phone, not only copies compressed through messaging apps.
What it takes
A few seconds to several minutes with a phone. Put safety and rescue first.
What you may gain
Civil Procedure Law Article 66 recognizes physical evidence, audiovisual material, and electronic data. The evidence provisions’ Article 14 includes photographs, audio, and video as electronic data, while Article 15 calls for originals and the original recording medium. Images can preserve a scene that will soon change and be checked against police reports, repair records, medical records, and witness accounts. The wide-view, positions, details sequence is a practical method, not a statutory requirement.
Context & considerations
This mainly protects you and your family. Grade C reflects that the shooting sequence is experience-based; the law only establishes admissible evidence categories and original-file requirements. If someone is hurt, there is fire or a gas leak, or another danger persists, help and move to safety before taking pictures. See traffic-collision duties.
Research & references
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (amended 2023, effective 1 January 2024). Civil Procedure Law, Article 66, reposted by Shanghai’s development and reform commission. https://fgw.sh.gov.cn/ys-syjf-zc-2.4.1-h5/20240408/073febdb2b04464390546232d4089f51.html; Supreme People’s Court (amended 2019). Civil evidence provisions, Articles 14 and 15. https://www.court.gov.cn/zixun/xiangqing/212721.html.