5 Ways To Determine Who Was At Fault For A Car Accident
A fatal accident might result in death, serious injuries, or the total destruction of your vehicle. In this situation, you will only be compensated if you are not at fault. Determining the cause of an accident isn't usually very straightforward. However, it is a crucial step in the processing of insurance claims. As a result, knowing how to identify the offender in any car collision is beneficial.
Continue reading for more information on vehicle crash liability and car insurance implications:
1. Assessing Physical Evidence
The crash site is the best place to identify the cause of an auto accident. You can use several tell-tale signs of an accident from the collision scene to determine who was at fault. Skid marks and whether or not a driver was in the wrong lane when the accident occurred are two of the indicators used by police officers to assess the cause of an accident.
When the police conduct their inspection, they use traffic indicators to establish who is on the wrong side of the road. You can also use photographic or video evidence to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault. You might search the area around the crash for CCTV surveillance cameras and see if the accident was captured live. Another alternative is to ask motorists who may have activated dashboard cameras during the incident to share the videos with you.
2. Evaluating Car Damage
Due to the impact of the collision, you can use both cars to determine some factors about the accident. Sometimes, car accidents involve more than just two cars. The impact on each car's body can determine who was at fault.
For instance, if the accident claims the rear end of one of the cars, it's conclusive that the driver from behind was at fault. In some other cases, the damage could be on the passenger side of your car. It might show that the other driver wasn't paying attention while driving.
3. Witness Testimonials
Witnesses can be onlookers or passersby who saw the accident first-hand. Although they're less reliable, they can shed light on what transpired. Being a third party with no interest in the case or subsequent claims, they can narrate the accident details without bias.
The best time to get eyewitness testimonies is shortly following the collision. At this point, individuals have a clear picture of what transpired and are not attempting to evaluate or comprehend what occurred. They can report events as they happen in front of their eyes.
4. Traffic Violations
Traffic laws help drivers avoid road accidents. That's why you find traffic signs along major roads. If an accident occurs, you can use traffic lights to evaluate the cause of the accident. For instance, a motorist who runs a red light is at fault. Alternatively, other traffic violations such as over-speeding can also determine the immediate cause of an accident. Exceeding the defined speed limit on a given road section is enough to make a driver guilty of causing the crash. Other road signs you need to be on the lookout for include:
• Bumps ahead
• Dangerous curves
• Construction zone
• Sharp turns
• Merge to single lane
• Red lights and stop signs
• Sharp bends
5. The Drivers Involved In The Accident
Accidents can be caused by drivers. They knew who was at fault because they were both driving at the time of the collision. When an accident occurs, they normally exit the vehicle and begin exchanging words. During the process, the guilty party may accept responsibility. If they cannot agree on who should compensate, they may contact the police or their insurance company to decide who is responsible.
Typically, traffic officers administer an alcohol test to both drivers to determine whether one was driving under the influence. The alcohol levels could be used to identify the offender. As you're aware, alcohol impairs judgment and is a leading cause of accidents worldwide.
Conclusion
Most car accidents can be avoided if both drivers observe traffic rules. When mishaps occur, however, it is critical to determine who was at fault and who should compensate the other party. Whether you're the culprit or the victim, working with car accident lawyers for expert guidance is advisable. You have the option of using arbitration to settle the dispute without going to court, although it is only possible if both parties agree. To determine the percentage to pay for the damages, a third party is used as an arbiter or judge. Alternatively, you might file a lawsuit for damages. After all, it is only fair to be compensated for unexpected medical expenditures and auto repairs.
