A car accident can disrupt your entire day, even when you’re fortunate enough to walk away unhurt. When serious injuries are involved, the aftermath can feel much heavier, with mounting medical bills, vehicle repairs, and missed time from work all demanding attention.
A settlement from the at-fault driver may help cover these losses, but securing compensation requires showing that you were not responsible for the crash. To understand how fault is determined under our state’s “fault-based” system and what it takes to prove your claim, connect with our team.
Collect Crucial Evidence at the Scene
The most powerful evidence is often gathered immediately after the collision, including photographs and videos. If you are able, document the final positions of the vehicles, damage from multiple angles, skid marks, and road debris. If you have a dashcam, save the recording, then look for security cameras at nearby businesses or homes that may have captured the incident.
You should also note the other driver’s license plate, insurance details, and any admissions of fault, like “I didn’t see you.” Ask bystanders or other drivers for their names and contact information, as their testimony can corroborate your account. If you are unable to take these measures safely due to injuries, do not worry; a skilled injury attorney can step in.
Obtain Copies of Official Reports
It is important to call 911 immediately after the accident if there are injuries or significant damage to your vehicle. The responding officer’s report is a critical piece of evidence that often includes their initial assessment of fault based on traffic citations issued at the scene. In California, you are legally required to file a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) within 10 days if the accident you were involved in caused over $1,000 in damage to property or if someone was injured or died.
Seek Medical Help and Legal Advice
Visit a doctor immediately, even for minor pain, because some accident-related injuries have a delayed onset. Medical records will also help link your injuries directly to the collision and can help experts determine the mechanics of the crash. In complex personal injury disputes, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys may retain accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle damage and establish exactly how the crash occurred.
Ask Our Team About Proving You Weren’t At-Fault in a Car Accident
Knowing how to prove you were not at at-fault in a car accident can be tricky. That is why it is so important to have sound legal guidance from a highly experienced personal injury attorney at CaseyGerry. Do not wait to meet with us to discuss your options. You typically have just two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim and another year for property damage. So set your appointment today.