Create damage photo log

Steps and techniques to gather samples.

When this applies

When damage is suspected to be inconsistent with an unidentified motorist collision, the estimator takes photographs of the damage.

The estimator creates a photo log which is used if evidence such as paint samples are sent to an engineering firm for analysis. The photo log provides many useful insights about the collision.

Important: These are forensic tasks and you could be required to answer questions in court on your sample gathering techniques and practices.

Procedure

  1. Take photographs of:
    • close-ups of the deposit zone, and
    • the overall vehicle views.
  2. Document whether the road grime at the time of the damage is still unaltered on the vehicle.
  3. Remove the road grime after the sample has been gathered, using a bucket and sponge.
  4. Wipe surface dry using a chamois.
  5. Take further unobscured photos of the:
    • damage, and
    • questioned deposits.
  6. Photograph the damage parallel to the ground, using a meter stick to display height estimates.
    Important: Do not place a meter stick in the way when photographing the damage.
  7. Check each photo group for focus and other qualities, such as light and composition, and repeat as necessary.
  8. Clarify damage features, where appropriate by taking comparison photographs of the opposite side of the vehicle.
Parent topic: Inconsistent damage