When you’re the victim of a car accident, you deserve to be compensated for damages and injuries. If you live in a no-fault state, you cannot take legal action against an at-fault driver, no matter how traumatic the event was. But on the plus side, you won’t have to fight to get the money you deserve. Both parties can file a claim with their own car insurance providers to recover financial losses. It doesn’t matter if you were responsible for the accident or not.
However, if you live in an at-fault state, the process can get complicated. If the other motorist is responsible for the car accident, you are entitled to compensation (usually through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider). But if the insurance company deems you liable, they can deny your claim. Even if the case appears cut and dry, the other party could spin facts to make you seem like the negligent driver.
When you survive a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is getting into a legal battle. Nevertheless, it’s important to be prepared for one. Here are some things you can do to prove you are not at fault:
Don’t Admit Fault
Your knee-jerk reaction may be to apologize, even if you did nothing wrong. In the chaos of the moment, you may question whether or not you were negligent, especially if the other driver directs anger or frustration towards you. Saying “I’m sorry,” or prematurely admitting fault could come back to bite you. Refrain from showing any signs of guilt.
Take Pictures
Take pictures and videos of the crash sight. It’s important to show all angles of the collision, including shots of the surrounding lanes. These details can offer clues about what happened. A photo can show positioning of the vehicles, points of impact, treadmarks, and environmental factors. If the collision took place at a light or intersection, you can try to access footage from a traffic cam.
Obtain a Police Report
Someone likely called law enforcement after the car accident, which means there’s a police report. These documents will contain details about the scene of the crash, including diagrams and witness statements. If the police gave a ticket to the other driver, this could also help prove your innocence. Be sure the documents are correct before using them. If you notice inaccuracies, now is the time to dispute it.
Research Traffic Laws
Educate yourself on your state’s traffic laws. Knowing specific rules about right-of-way or speed limits could give you ammo for your case. You should also consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to guide you through the intricacies of the law. This way, you will be prepared if the car insurance provider tries to unrightfully deny your claim.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer from Davis Law Group
If you were injured or involved in a car accident, give Davis Law Group a call right away. Insurance companies are equipped with attorneys and adjusters, neither of which have your best interest in mind. After completing their evaluation, they may offer you less than you deserve or deny your claim and accuse you of negligence. The attorneys at Davis Law Group can help you navigate this situation to produce the best possible outcome.
