Speeding and distracted driving are 2 of the biggest reasons why drivers get into car accidents.
Depending on the crash, it can be challenging to prove who’s at fault. One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is failing to call the cops in the event of an accident.
If you want to protect yourself in the event of a crash, it’s crucial to know how to prove you are not at fault in a car accident.
Keep reading to learn more about car accident faults and how to ensure you cover your bases in the event of a crash.
Tips for Proving You’re Not at Fault
Not all accident fault is cut and dry. More often than not, determining who is at fault becomes complicated, which is why it’s crucial to know what to do and how to behave in the event of an accident.
Let’s take a look at some essential tips to remember.
Don’t Admit Fault
Regardless of what happened, don’t ever admit fault in the event of an accident. Immediately after an accident, your adrenaline is pumping, which means you may not have an accurate assessment of the situation.
Don’t apologize or admit fault to other drivers, and avoid communication if you can. If a police officer comes on the scene, they’ll exchange information for you and generate an accident report based on their findings.
Take Photographs
At the scene of the accident, take as many photographs as you can. Take photos of the position of the vehicles involved and any damage to those cars and surrounding property.
Take photographs of street signs and car positions and from all angles. Sometimes, when it’s a head-on collision, the car that isn’t in the proper lane is considered at fault. However, it’s crucial to take photos as many details get discovered or noticed later on.
Document damage to both vehicles, and be sure to get photos that include the license plates.
Collect Evidence
If you’re thinking, “It wasn’t my fault,” the best way to prove it is to collect as much evidence as possible and talk to witnesses.
Take note of whether or not there are any cameras around that might have caught the accident. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information so that your lawyer can call them for statements later on. Having a witness can do wonders for proving you’re not at fault.
If you have a dashboard camera, be sure to review it. We’re there any other violations made by the other driver? Did they have an expired license? Did they seem like they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
Document anything suspicious, tell the police and tell your lawyer. Be sure that your lawyer checks for past violations, too.
Were any traffic laws broken before or during the accident? Knowing if another driver broke a traffic law and proving so can significantly help your case.
Get a Police Report
Whether it’s a fender bender or a severe car crash, don’t ever hesitate to call the police. Police reports are typically helpful in determining who is at fault.
The report should contain the officer’s impressions, what the other driver said about your driving, and diagrams of the accident. Takedown the officer’s badge number and name. Ask when and how you can obtain a copy of the police report.
Don’t Post on Social Media
Insurance company investors will use every strategy they can think of to try and devalue your claim. They’ll look at social media accounts, which is why it’s essential that you don’t post anything about the accident.
Don’t post any photos of the accident or your injuries. Likewise, if you claim to be injured but post photographs from a night out with friends, those posts could also be used against you.
Posts that have nothing to do with your accident could be just as detrimental to your case. You don’t have to delete social media, but it’s best to refrain from posting until your claim gets resolved.
Make Sure to Report the Accident
Sometimes, car accident victims don’t report their accident to the insurance company, or they wait too long to do so. You should always report the accident, though, as some insurance companies have time limits for how long you can take to report a crash.
The last thing you’d want to face is a denied claim or a policy cancellation because you didn’t report your car accident.
Hire a Lawyer
In some cases, it’s difficult to prove there’s no fault on your behalf. When you hire a car accident lawyer to help with your case, you can rest assured they won’t leave any stone unturned. They’ll know what documents and evidence will help your case, and they’ll look for details that you probably wouldn’t think to look for on your own.
Plus, car accidents are stressful, no matter how severe. A lawyer can help alleviate some of that stress by making sure you’re on track every step of the way. They’ll do their best to prove your innocence and have experience doing the same for other clients.
Knowing how to dispute a car accident fault is much easier when you have an experienced professional on your side.
How to Prove You Are Not at Fault in a Car Accident
Are you still wondering how to prove you are not at fault in a car accident? Every accident is different, which is why it’s vital to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer before you try to prove your own innocence.
A lawyer will check every detail, get a copy of the police report immediately, talk to witnesses, and check any cameras. They’ll look into other drivers’ histories to look for patterns and prior unsafe driving.
They’ll take a detailed look at all photos and evidence to do their best to prove your innocence in the crash.
Are you ready to find out how we can help determine car accident fault in your recent vehicle crash? Contact us for a FREE case evaluation so that you’ll have a better idea of where you stand and what needs to be done to prove you’re not at fault.
