It can be hard enough avoiding car accidents, but for those who have been in one, an equally stressful experience is determining who is at fault for the collision. Figuring out where to put fault will not only allow you to save money on things you shouldn’t be paying for in the first place, but give you an easier time recovering physically and emotionally.
If you’ve managed to avoid accidents so far, there are several tips you should follow so that you are ahead of the game for if and when you do get involved in one down the road. This process involves research and collecting information to make sure no one gets away with not paying what they owe. This guide aims to show you how to determine fault after a car accident.
Know your traffic laws
Figuring out who is responsible for a car accident can be made easier if you know the local traffic laws. Whether you get involved in an accident while traveling through a different county, municipality or state will determine if you may be liable for certain damage payments that you wouldn’t have to worry about back at home. You’ll have plenty of sources to choose from for finding facts about traffic laws, including law libraries, public libraries, and state government and court websites. There’s also the option of going to the local courthouse and reading through model jury instructions, which show the basic rules that are recited before a decision is made in such a case.
You’ll need to remember certain rules based on where the accident occurred, such as how far away cars are supposed to be from each other in motion and while stopped. Some states also have their own rules at determining who is at fault for left-turn car accidents, as some put more blame on the driver who was turning while others focus on the driver who was going straight. Malfunctioning parts, such as a broken brake light, may play a role in reducing punishments. Whether one of the drivers was speeding or running a red light may also play a role in determining fault.
Collect evidence
The more physical evidence you and all parties involved in an accident have, the easier it will be for the authorities to figure out who is responsible. You can take photos and record videos of the damage done to your car, such as dents, scratches and missing parts, and how the other driver collided with it. Testimonies from eyewitnesses also come in handy with showing that you were innocent in the accident. Police reports also help determine how the accident transpired, as they will most likely include unbiased evidence and a deeper analysis that even the people involved in the accident couldn’t provide.
Evidence may involve damage that was done to more than just the cars. The accident may have resulted in damage done to the road, guardrails, sidewalk and other nearby areas including private property. If services such as concrete repair are needed because of it, the penalties may be even higher. Be sure to take photos and record video at the scene of the accident before you have your car repaired, as you won’t have any evidence to show courts otherwise. The physical evidence can also determine how serious the payments will be, whether they’re from one party or all involved. This will prevent anyone from exaggerating damage and the situation getting more serious than it should be.
Talk to your lawyer
As innocent as you think you are in a car accident based on the evidence you have and the knowledge of the causation, you may not be able to provide an argument that will prove your innocence as well as an expert in the field could. It’s best to get in contact with a professional such as this auto accident lawyer in Mobile, AL so that you can go over what you would say in court. This will keep you from saying anything that could point blame in your direction, even if you were in the right. The last thing anyone wants to do is get themselves in trouble for something they didn’t do.
The more evidence you have of the accident, the easier it will be for your attorney to figure out how to push your case. They may notice something in the photos of damage or quotes from eyewitnesses that can lead to the discovery of payments owed to you. If there is evidence pointing blame in your direction that you weren’t previously aware of, then your lawyer should be able to determine how to present your negligence in a way that can reduce penalties on your end. This can affect everything from the shape of your wallet to your ability to keep your license.
Keep this guide in mind so that determining fault in any future car accident is stress and hassle-free.
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