Have you ever gotten accused of causing a car accident? What should you do if someone else causes a crash and then attempts to blame you?
This type of scenario plays out all the time, and it often devolves into a he-said-she-said argument. How can you prevent that from happening to you?
Read on to find out.
The Burden of Proof in a Car Accident Claim
If you’re forced to bring a claim to court, then the burden of proving your case rests on your shoulders. Many victims choose to hire a car accident attorney to help prove what happened.
This burden of proof means you need to know what to do in a car accident to protect yourself. Here’s what one car accident lawyer in Atlanta GA suggests:
- Don’t take the other driver’s word to repay you
- Do report the accident to the police
- Don’t admit fault at the scene
- Do take photographs
- Do record contact information for any witnesses
You’re protecting yourself and any future right to compensation by following these steps.
What Types of Evidence Will Prevail in Court?
What types of evidence do you need to help win a car accident settlement? Here’s a list of important evidence to collect:
- Medical bills
- Police department
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Video footage
- Documentation from your employer about your wages and missed work
- Mechanic repair estimates or bills
You need to collect as much evidence as possible before you show up to court. Otherwise, a judge may dismiss your claim for a lack of evidence.
How to Strengthen Your Case
Is the other driver accusing you of being at fault for the crash? What happens if you are at fault in a car accident?
Most states have fault-based laws, which means you could get held liable for losses after a crash. These laws incentivize both parties to attribute fault to the other driver.
What can you do if you find yourself in this situation?
You need to strengthen your case as much as possible. If you need legal advice, then car accident lawyers can help. Here are a few ways a lawyer can help strengthen your case:
- Help preserve time-sensitive evidence
- Locate any available surveillance footage of the crash
- Hire expert medical witnesses to testify about your injuries
- Maximize your settlement award by proving each loss
Keep in mind that the opposing party’s insurance company may try to make a deal with you. If their offer is low, then don’t accept it. Otherwise, you may not be able to seek out the full amount you’re owed.
Seeking Justice After an Accident
No one expects to get involved in a car accident, but it’s likely to happen to everyone at least once. When it does, don’t hesitate to seek out justice and the rightful compensation you’re owed.
Have you ever been in a situation where another driver denied fault after an accident? How did you handle the situation, and do you have any tips to share? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment in the box below.
