Did you know that there are 6 million car accidents in the United States every single year? If you were recently in a car accident and are trying to figure out how to prove you are not at fault in a car accident, you are in the right place. We have put together this guide to help you during this challenging chapter in your life.
Keep reading to learn how to help prove your innocence.
1. Pictures and Videos
Pictures speak volumes and thanks to cell phones, everyone can easily take pictures and videos right after an accident. You would be surprised at how many people at the scene of the accident will also pull out their own cellphones and capture the aftermath themselves.
You want to not only have pictures and videos of your own car but also of the other vehicle involved. Clearly have the position of the cars at the scene, and pictures showing the weather conditions, and the road conditions. If you are injured and can’t take the pictures yourself ask one of the other passengers with you to help you.
If you do not have anyone else in the car then ask a bystander to do you the favor and take pictures and videos for you. Attorney’s like Preszler Law of Nova Scotia will be able to use this type of evidence to help you in your case.
2. Call the Police
You ALWAYS want to call the police after a car accident. When the police come out, they will assess the situation and will write up a police report and provide you with a copy. This report will have their opinion on who is at fault and why.
It will also include a narration of how the crash occurred and the police officers’ conclusion after showing up at the scene. This police report will come in handy when you are filing an insurance claim.
3. Witnesses Can Help
Take the time to speak to any witnesses at the scene of the car accident. Ask them for their contact information in case you need their help in the future. Also, ask them if they are willing to write a short statement about what happened and even better ask them if you can take a short video where they say their statement.
Any third-party witnesses that are neutral and do not have stake in your claim will give powerful evidence to convince the insurance company that you were not at fault.
4. Contact an Attorney
Finding a lawyer that has experience with car accidents will help you collect evidence, interview witnesses, and hire any expert witnesses. An attorney will be really beneficial because they are familiar with the laws and how to prove that the other driver was at fault and not you.
An attorney will go over all the traffic laws such as following a vehicle too close, running red lights, speeding, etc. Knowing when the other driver has broken one or more traffic laws will come in handy when you want to show that you are not at fault.
An attorney can also make sure that you are compensated for any injuries, loss of work, and medical bills that you incurred due to the accident.
5. No Doubt Liability
Understanding “no doubt” liability accidents can help you out proving your innocence. These are accidents that are defined as those where it is easy to define who exactly is at fault.
One example of a no doubt accident is a rear-end collision because every driver by law has to keep a safe braking distance. The driver in the front vehicle under most circumstances can’t be held at fault for the accident.
Another no doubt accident example is a collision that occurs when making a left turn. The driver that is making the left turn is responsible for making sure that the oncoming vehicles are not in the way when making the turn. The vehicle driving straight down the road with the right of way would not be at fault in this case under normal circumstances.
Keep in mind that no-fault liability always depends on the accident circumstances. If your vehicles’ taillight is not working and a car rear-ends you because the light malfunctioned then you will be responsible for the accident. Or in a case where you ran a red light while the other vehicle was making a left turn then you will be the person at fault for the accident.
6. Do Not Admit Fault
One key thing is to NEVER EVER admit that you are at fault. Any proof that you have to prove your innocence will be questioned if you ever admit that the accident was your fault to either the other party, the police, or to witnesses.
If you admit that the accident was because of you while the police are at the scene, they will include this in their police report. This will give the insurance enough evidence to make you the guilty person.
Now You Know How to Prove You Are Not at Fault in a Car Accident
As you can see how to prove you are not at fault in a car accident, is not impossible. Now it is time to take everything you learned above and put it into action. Remember if you are not comfortable with the law and going to court, then hire someone with experience to help you fight.
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