Guidance Notes – Taking photos of Defects

Your photographs do not have to be of professional quality but taking photographs using the following guidance will assist us in the event that your case is submitted to the local Highways Authority or Court in the future

Please take a number of photographs and at the very least photographs as described in the list below.

1. A photograph showing the general area around where your accident occurred. This should include any buildings that can be seen in the background, the nearest house or landmark close by in order that the defective area can be clearly identified from the photograph. We would suggest taking 10 large paces back from the defect to ensure the wider area is visible in the photograph.

2. Take a photograph from 2 or 3 paces away from the defect showing the background where possible.

3. If you tripped due to a raised edge (for example a raised paving stone, pothole or raised tarmac) please take a photograph of that tripping edge and, if possible, take the photograph from ground level. In other words, if the defect is big enough to do so, place the camera down on the floor of the defect. If it not big enough to place the camera inside the defect and still get a clear reading then place the camera on the surface directly in front of the defect, so that the depth of the tripping edge can be clearly seen. If possible, use a tape measure/ ruler. If it is impossible to use a tape measure or ruler, then then the next best thing. This could be a standard sized object such as a 50 pence piece to accurately show the depth of the tripping edge. A ruler or tape measure is to be much preferred.

4. If you tripped due to a pothole in the surface, please also take measurements of the surface area of the pothole i.e. how wide, how long and how deep and take photographs to show those measurements.

* Please note – ALL photographs where possible should be taken in the direction in which you were travelling at the time of your accident.

If you know anybody who lives or works close to the location where your accident occurred it will be useful at this time to ask them if they are aware for how long the defect which caused your accident has been in situ or indeed if they had ever seen the defect before your accident occurred.

If you are in contact with anyone who is aware of any other similar accidents that have happened at the same location as your accident, please also provide their name address and telephone number as their witness evidence may be vital to your claim at a later stage. If you have any further queries regarding the photographs we require please do not hesitate to contact us

See below examples of good photographs:

Common mistakes when taken defect photos:

The images below show examples of bad quality defect photos. Common mistakes when taking photos include:

1. Photo taken from an angle where it is not clear what is being measured,

2. Photo taken in way that you cannot see measurement,

3. Failed to put the camera at floor level so can prove to court what height of defect is.