How to Prove Liability After a Car Accident
You were just in a crash, now what? There is a lot running through your mind; is everyone okay, what happened, who is to blame, etc. The first and most important step is to call the police or 911 if necessary; they are trained to assess situations like this and can also ensure that people injured are taken care of right away.
Another pinnacle step to follow after an accident is to find out who was at fault. The person who was negligent in the situation is the one that must subsidize the damage and injuries caused by the accident. Here are a few steps on how to prove liability:
Scope out the situation
Consider what may have caused the wreck. It may be fairly obvious such as an intoxicated or distracted driver. There are also cases where there are obstacles in the road, a technical issue with the car, or a faulty part.
There are some situations where one driver is automatically at fault. For example, anytime there is a rear end accident the driver who hit the front car is almost always at fault. This is because, in order to hit the rear end of the car, a driver is usually following to closely. Another example of this would be left turn accidents, where almost always the car turning left is at fault. There are some extenuating circumstances where these drivers are not at fault such as interferences with the road or other drivers breaking traffic laws.
Communicate your side to the police
Once the police arrive you will want to explain the situation to them and fill out a police report of the accident. This will be an official document outlining the accident. Give as much detail as you can and explain your observations post-accident as well.
If police are not needed at the scene of the accident
If the accident is not severe enough to call the police it is still very important to file a police report at the station as soon as possible. This way your story is official and can help your case if you choose to react. Make sure to get the other driver(s) information that was involved in the accident.
Get a Lawyer
Though some accidents may seem minor, they can still result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident call Rob Levine & Associates for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will review your case to help you understand what your next steps should be. Getting legal help can put your mind at ease and let you focus on getting better.
At Rob Levine & Associates we are experienced in personal injury cases in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. Contact us at 888-533-7507 or visit our website for more information.
