Almost hit by car! - Photographing accident scene Legalities?

[nikodj01]

I was heading out earlier this evening to do some long exposure shooting.
Walking on a sidewalk in-town a car blows right next to me on the side walk very close to me. I look up at the red light right in front of me as he blows thru it and crashes right into a wall in-front of a college. The guy didn't even touch his breaks. I'm guessing he hit the wall at 45 of so? I was 15-20 seconds from walking in front of that wall!

What is the legal thing to do as far a photographing an accident scene on public roads? Although I would like to give the accident victim privacy and respect (even though he almost killed me) Can police tell you to stop? What is a photographers conduct code on this?

Fast, bad photo of the accident.
Really fast shot -Please don't critique this - ha

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4341693925_9c2d0a1258_o.jpg

[RDKirk]

What is the legal thing to do as far a photographing an accident scene on public roads? Although I would like to give the accident victim privacy and respect (even though he almost killed me) Can police tell you to stop? What is a photographers conduct code on this?

In the US:

There are some local laws that require you to help the guy (or at least call for help), not just take pictures.

The police can cordon off the accident area and require you to stay outside its boundary. They can also order you to "move along" if you're creating an obstruction to traffic or care providers.

[ni$mo350]

You did help the guy right? That'd be a pretty rude to just watch it happen and then take pics while others race to help him. I'm a human first and a photographer second.. A guy almost hit me a few years back but I ran over to help him. Turns out he had a stroke and wasn't in control of the car! I'm glad I did what I did.

[nikodj01]

I tired to help - didn't just get the camera out a click away!
It happened right at a busy college that was changing classes.
People engulfed the scene very fast. There was a town fire fighter in his truck at the light.
Right after the accident he was on his radio.
Within a few minutes police, ambulances, fight trucks where right there.
The police station is maybe 3 blocks away. The fire station is also up the street.

The guy in the accident was somewhat awake but not exactly responsive.
Possible drunk? The airbag helped for sure.

[ni$mo350]

I tired to help - didn't just get the camera out a click away!
It happened right at a busy college that was changing classes.
People engulfed the scene very fast. There was a town fire fighter in his truck at the light.
Right after the accident he was on his radio.
Within a few minutes police, ambulances, fight trucks where right there.
The police station is maybe 3 blocks away. The fire station is also up the street.

The guy in the accident was somewhat awake but not exactly responsive.
Possible drunk? The airbag helped for sure.

Just checking and in that case I think it'd be ok. I wouldn't shoot for myself but more to help the police. He could've been drunk but it could also be a concussion from the impact, I had one from Hockey and was in and out of it. Good thing you're ok though!

[Vanthel]

Generally if you're on public land, snap away. It's how film crews can film people being pulled over for tv shows.

[skydiver_8]

In Ontario, same as stated by RD Kirk. As a caveat though, should the police or the driver of the m.v. think that your photos may be of some evidentiary value should charges be laid, you can be subpoened to bring your photos to court.