A car accident is almost always a traumatic event. It can cause injury and even affect your mental health for months after. Adding to the problems is having to then prove who was at fault so you are not liable for damages if you didn’t cause the accident.
Figuring out who’s to blame in a car accident is important. It decides who must pay for the damage. This issue can get complex fast. So, you may need the help of professionals, like car accident lawyers in Tucson, to guide you. In this article, we will give you all the relevant information needed to determine who was at fault before you call the lawyers.
1 – Collecting evidence from the scene
Getting evidence is a key step in figuring out who’s at fault in a car accident. One way to gather evidence is by taking photos and videos at the scene. Use your phone to capture pictures of the vehicles, the road, and any damage. Try to get different angles and distances. Videos can be useful too. They can show things like weather conditions and traffic flow.
Physical evidence from the scene is also important. This includes things like skid marks or broken car parts. Skid marks can show if a driver was speeding or tried to stop quickly. Broken parts can show where and how the cars hit each other.
Try to talk to witnesses and get their statement as well as their contact information. Having a witness that can verify what you’ve stated will help tremendously in court if things get to that point.
2 – Consult with an expert
Data can be very precise and paint a more accurate picture of what happened in an accident. However, getting this data and then analyzing it is beyond what most normal people are capable of.
This is when a professional should be called since they can use the data to see what actually happened. They look at things like skid marks, vehicle damage, and any photos or videos you’ve taken. Based on this, they can create a detailed report. This report can show things like how fast the cars were going, what direction they were moving in, and how they collided.
After you report a car accident to your insurance company, they’ll send an adjuster. They’ll look at your car, the accident scene, and any medical reports if you were hurt.
3 – Dealing with insurance companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, but it’s necessary in determining who is at fault in a car accident.
Your first action is to file an insurance claim. This is when you tell your insurance company about the accident and ask for money to cover the damage. Be prepared to give them all the details and evidence you have collected.
Insurance companies have a lot of experience with car accidents. They use specific rules to decide who was at fault. These rules consider things like the type of accident, the damage to the cars, and the drivers’ actions.