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Is it legal to snap pictures of auto accidents?
Dec 22, 2011 14:32:52 #
Here's my question in log form.
Is it legal if your driving down the road and you come across a considerable or minor accident where as there are police and other various emergency vehicles working, to pull over in a safe and non obstructing area and take a few pictures.
Now I understand the media does this often.
My intent of the use of such photograph is not to make a distasteful web blog or site,, on the contrary, being an active duty soldier I travel 30 miles to post each way on a highway that so far I see at least 4 accidents a week and would like to be able to safely take a few photos to use in training materials geared towards safety classes.
On my Army post we have lost 38 soldiers to auto and motorcycle accidents this year. 80+ soldiers either mildly or severely injured in other cases.
Also can I if asked to give them to media sources for news stories?
Is it legal if your driving down the road and you come across a considerable or minor accident where as there are police and other various emergency vehicles working, to pull over in a safe and non obstructing area and take a few pictures.
Now I understand the media does this often.
My intent of the use of such photograph is not to make a distasteful web blog or site,, on the contrary, being an active duty soldier I travel 30 miles to post each way on a highway that so far I see at least 4 accidents a week and would like to be able to safely take a few photos to use in training materials geared towards safety classes.
On my Army post we have lost 38 soldiers to auto and motorcycle accidents this year. 80+ soldiers either mildly or severely injured in other cases.
Also can I if asked to give them to media sources for news stories?
Dec 22, 2011 14:45:44 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
I believe in my state (Iowa) as long as your on public property shoot away. Of course it's a good idea to make sure you're legally parked and you're not obstructing emergency workers. You can find the laws for your state on line.
Dec 22, 2011 14:46:29 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
Yes.
As long as you stay out of the way of the police and emergency services, and do not park illegally or in a way that endangers others.
And yes, you can give them to the media. "News interest" trumps (almost any) rights to privacy.
Although I have a law degree (in fact, precisely because I have a law degree), the above advice is given without any guarantee of accuracy. But anyone who wants to challenge it might have to work quite hard.
Cheers,
R.
As long as you stay out of the way of the police and emergency services, and do not park illegally or in a way that endangers others.
And yes, you can give them to the media. "News interest" trumps (almost any) rights to privacy.
Although I have a law degree (in fact, precisely because I have a law degree), the above advice is given without any guarantee of accuracy. But anyone who wants to challenge it might have to work quite hard.
Cheers,
R.
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Dec 22, 2011 14:52:58 #
I kinda of thought so,, Ive done a little research on the matter and found many different interpretationsincluding, 1st amendment, right to privacy on in public, public and law/enforcement not having the right of privacy in public, etc etc,, you know where i am going with that.. so simply put put I have to say:
Your answer was absolutely clear, cut, simple and to the point. I thank you for that because with all those things I was reading I started to think there was laws for laws that back up laws that arent laws at all ... lol thanks again and Happy Holidays and new year!
Your answer was absolutely clear, cut, simple and to the point. I thank you for that because with all those things I was reading I started to think there was laws for laws that back up laws that arent laws at all ... lol thanks again and Happy Holidays and new year!
Dec 23, 2011 09:29:51 #
edquales
Loc: Fort Mill, SC but am rarely there
Here's the deal. It may be legal but you may still run into resistance. Most of the police officers will err on the side of caution and protect the families of the victims by preventing you from posting their loved ones somewhere online. If you do not have press credentials you may get bossed around at the scene under the guise of "safety" and when you don't comply 100% & immediately with that directive then you have failed to obey a police officer and then the fun begins. I recommend always obeying the officers commands and get to know them. Stopping by the local precinct and tell them your intent and plans couldn't hurt.
Dec 23, 2011 09:52:11 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
edquales wrote:
Here's the deal. It may be legal but you may stil... (show quote)
Excellent point, but you are normally obliged only to obey any reasonable and lawful request (and it's a request, not a command), and the police sometimes try it on with unreasonable and unlawful requests. As you suggest, talking to the local cop shop and even getting a letter from them would almost certainly make life MUCH easier for all parties.
Cheers,
R.
Dec 23, 2011 09:56:12 #
Excellent advice. If "they" (the authorities) know who you are and why you are there, they become surprisingly cooperative. They just don't want some "sensationalist, rubbernecking moron" getting in their way, and..above all, being insensitive to the situation. Compassion and common sense and courtesy will get you almost anywhere you want to go on the planet!
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Dec 23, 2011 10:23:51 #
edquales wrote:
Here's the deal. It may be legal but you may stil... (show quote)
I don't know where it is but somebody one here told of a site that would give you press pass type of certificate. It did cost a like, but I think it was fairly cheap. I know I read it here someplace maybe Google it.
Dec 23, 2011 10:44:57 #
Hello everyone. First post here.
You might find some victims of accidents willing to pay for copies of any pictures you take (although I wouldn't go asking for money up front) for evidence later.
I was in an accident once and knew there was only several hundred $$$ damage to the other vehicle. By the time it got to the shop for repairs, the estimate was several thousand $$$ and the car was considered totaled over a dent in the rear quarter panel. My vehicle only had the front license plate ripped off. Now I always carry a camera in my own car because of this. Pictures of damage at the scene are worth money to me.
You might find some victims of accidents willing to pay for copies of any pictures you take (although I wouldn't go asking for money up front) for evidence later.
I was in an accident once and knew there was only several hundred $$$ damage to the other vehicle. By the time it got to the shop for repairs, the estimate was several thousand $$$ and the car was considered totaled over a dent in the rear quarter panel. My vehicle only had the front license plate ripped off. Now I always carry a camera in my own car because of this. Pictures of damage at the scene are worth money to me.
Dec 23, 2011 11:16:13 #
I have taken pictures of accidents in the past. I give a card with my name and number to the drivers/owners of the vehicles, and to the officers is they want it. Later, I have received calls from insurance companies wanting copies of my pictures, which I willing provide for a small fee to cover my expenses.
Dec 23, 2011 11:35:13 #
I did a career in television news / sports photography. Many times I was approached by a police officer who asked me not to shoot at the family's request. I'd always reply that I'm standing on public property. The officer always smiled and said something to the effect of "yes you are and legally I can't stop you... just that the family..."
So there you go. If you're standing on a sidewalk or on a street there are no legal restrictions just personal issues.
You don't have to be a member of the media just be sure you're standing on public property. That's my experience.
So there you go. If you're standing on a sidewalk or on a street there are no legal restrictions just personal issues.
You don't have to be a member of the media just be sure you're standing on public property. That's my experience.
Dec 23, 2011 11:41:24 #
Is it not possible to go to the police or insurance agencies and other institutions that are involved in traffic accidents and explain your position and ask for photos? I would start with your state Highway Patrol. After all they produce movies and pictures for driver training.
Dec 23, 2011 12:22:08 #
Perhaps I'm not understanding your question. Do you mean if you've been involved in an accident and you want photos of it? That's the only reason I can see for actually asking for photos.
If that's your question, and you're wanting to pursue legal action then I'd think they would furnish them too you. If not to you then certainly to your attorney.
I write this only as a guide line to what I experienced time and time again while in my broadcasting career. Please don't take anything I say as legal advice, certainly laws differ from state to state.
Jim
If that's your question, and you're wanting to pursue legal action then I'd think they would furnish them too you. If not to you then certainly to your attorney.
I write this only as a guide line to what I experienced time and time again while in my broadcasting career. Please don't take anything I say as legal advice, certainly laws differ from state to state.
Jim
Dec 23, 2011 13:17:16 #
I make dam good money back in the 60s. You can sell to the insurce (2), police, and just think about it. Its called AMBULANCE CACHER.
Dec 23, 2011 13:31:08 #
nikkor
Loc: San Jose, CA
Here you go...read this
http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/know-your-rights-photographers
http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/know-your-rights-photographers
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