Fault matters enormously following a car accident. Even if you’re in a “no-fault” state, there are situations where you can only sue for compensation if you are not at fault. But how do you prove this? Because fault matters, you can expect the other driver to blame you for an accident. It’s helpful to gather evidence to push back on these accusations.
Below, our car accident lawyer identifies the key steps to take to establish you are not at fault for your wreck. By following these steps, you improve the chances of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries.
Identify Witnesses to the Accident
Any bystander who saw the crash can report what happened. These third parties are helpful, especially if you and the other driver tell radically different stories. After a crash, ask witnesses for their names and contact information, like a phone number. They can provide insight into how the accident happened, which will help prove fault.
Anyone could be a witness: people on the sidewalk, motorists not involved in the crash, and even passengers in the cars involved. Try to talk to as many people as possible.
Take Photographs of the Accident
Fault is usually determined by a jury (if your case goes to trial) or by insurance adjusters (if you settle). None of these people were at the accident scene, so they don’t know what happened. Your goal is to recreate the accident as best you can so they can see who is to blame. For this reason, get pictures:
- Try to get at least one picture of the cars where they end up immediately after the crash and before you move them to the side of the road.
- Take a picture of each side of all vehicles involved.
- Photograph anything else that’s interesting or helpful: a debris field, skid marks, missing stop sign, etc.
With pictures, a person can have some idea of how the cars came together. That goes a long way to establishing fault.
Write Down Your Memories of the Accident
The fact that a car hit you doesn’t fully prove you are not at fault. For example, you could have pulled out directly in front of the other car. Doing something that reckless would make you at fault.
As time passes, your memory will fade, so write down your memories as soon as possible. A paragraph or two about what happened will be helpful. What were you doing immediately before the crash? Did you see the other car? What was the driver doing?
Write Down Your Observations of the Other Driver
The driver could admit fault. You’ll want to record that. Other helpful information includes any sign the driver is intoxicated or high or whether they appear fatigued. A drunk driver is probably at fault for a collision.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney to Prove Fault
Ultimately, you will benefit from a seasoned lawyer’s help at proving you are not at fault. Pictures, witness testimony, and other evidence are like dots on a page. You need to connect them to really make the accident come alive. Please contact Quinn Law Group today to get started.
