There are many things that go through a person’s head after they are involved in a car accident. This can be a difficult time as a person looks to heal physically and emotionally. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we know that one of the concerns is often how the victim can determine and prove who was at fault for the car accident. Keep reading for some ideas on how to do that and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Gather and Keep Essential Evidence
The first step is to get all the evidence you can. The police will do their own investigation. The insurance companies will do theirs. However, that will take place well after the accident has occurred. The sooner you can collect and preserve evidence, the better off you will be.
Of course, you should never put yourself in harm’s way to do so, but if possible we recommend taking pictures of the scene that show the weather conditions and the involved vehicles. Take photos of the other cars involved as well as their license plates. If the other driver appears to be under the influence, video can be helpful to show this. Talk to any witnesses at the scene to get their contact information. When you get home, write down every detail you remember about the accident.
Let Your Insurance Company Help You
If the other involved party claims that the accident was your fault, it is in the best interest of your insurance company to prove that this is not the case. If you are found at fault, they are the ones that will have to pay out your claim. We do not recommend that you only work with your insurance company – for example, they are not best suited to help you determine if a settlement offer from another company is the right choice to take – but they can help you prove your case.
Work with a Personal Injury Attorney
Many people think of personal injury attorneys as the people who help victims get the best settlement possible. That is the overall goal – but in order to do so we must prove who was at fault. We can do so with the evidence you have gathered but we may have access to additional evidence too, such as testimony from expert witnesses (like accident reconstructionist experts) and surveillance footage from nearby stores and businesses.
If you have been in an accident and fault is in question, you should talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Do not fall for the old idea that you do not have the funds to talk to an attorney – your initial consultation with Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas is free. If we decide to take your case, we will do so on a contingency basis that assures you do not owe anything until we win your case. Call us now at 909-982-0707 to get started.
