Did you know that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents affect nearly 5 million road users annually? These are just the reported cases. There are chances that there will be more accidents.
But what do you do if you are not the at-fault driver? How do you zero in on the other driver? Stick along for some tips you should take into consideration to help you prove negligence in a car accident.
Here we go!
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Obtain a Police Report
First things first! If possible, it is recommended to involve law enforcement to help you document the accident. These reports contain crucial details and sometimes even officer opinions on who was at fault. Ensure you request a copy of the report from the authorities or through your insurance adjuster.
Before filing the report, it is advisable not to move your car or say anything that might compromise the situation. Call the authorities immediately and let them help you. Besides, you might also need to call your insurance company.
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Gather At-Fault Driver Information
This is yet another important factor to put into consideration after a car crash. Immediately after the accident, ensure you gather important evidence about the driver from the scene to help you file a case. This can include the names of the parties involved, their addresses, license numbers, and insurance information. Having this critical information ensures you are well equipped to file a case against the at-fault driver.
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Know Your State’s Traffic Laws
Now that you have sufficient evidence, you should work on familiarizing yourself with the traffic laws in your state or the area in which the accident occurred. Most importantly, you should look for laws that are relevant to your accident.
Technically, understanding these laws and regulations will provide you with the ability to assess whether the other driver violated any traffic laws that might have contributed to the collision. You will need to conduct research online from reliable sources to gather the required information.
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Get Witness Testimonials
Who witnessed the accident? Ask around to find out if there were witnesses to the accident. If they are available, ensure you get as much information and testimonials as possible. They can provide valuable, unbiased perspectives on what occurred. Additionally, you can also reach out to the witnesses later for statements or descriptions of the crash.
If needed, you can also ask them to provide a witness account in court to help you get a fair settlement. It is also imperative to note that impartial witnesses are the most recommended. A stranger can be a great witness, as compared to your relative, friend, or spouse.
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Document the Damages
Before any repairs are made to your vehicle, it is recommended to take photographs of the damage from multiple angles. Apart from that, capture images of the accident scene, including skid marks, traffic signs, and other road conditions.
You might need to provide these pictures as evidence in front of a judge or lawyer to help identify who was at fault. Besides, you can also ask for CCTV footage from businesses at the crash scene. Work with your attorney to help you get the permission required to access any camera footage at the accident scene.
Conclusion
Accidents happen almost every day on our roads. All you can wish for is not to be the driver at fault. In such cases, ensure you take the above factors into consideration to help you get the compensation you deserve. Most importantly, you should consider working with an experienced attorney to make the process easier.