Determining Liability In A Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident in Georgia, a Winder, GA car accident lawyer knows you may be wondering who is at fault for the crash. It can be easy in many situations to want to take partial responsibility when something terrible happens so that you can diffuse the situation and make things have less of an impact. However, when it comes to a car accident, you do not want to take partial blame, especially in front of others following the accident. When you are ready to file a claim following a car accident, it will be important to speak with a lawyer so that you can establish liability. If you would like to file a claim, reach out to Norris Injury Law now.
One of the first things you may be wondering is how you can determine who was responsible for the accident and whose insurance will be covering the car accident you were in. Georgia is considered an at-fault state. This means a few things when you are attempting to prove negligence.
- If you were in a rear-end accident, it is likely going to be the fault of the driver who was in the back.
- If one of the drivers did not properly maintain their car (they had low oil, their brakes were faulty), it will likely be determined that they were at fault.
- If one of the drivers was distracted–on their phone, eating breakfast, putting on makeup–then they will likely be at fault.
These are just a few ways that a Winder car accident lawyer will attempt to prove liability for the accident you were in.
What will insurance do with the information we provide?
When you file a claim for a car accident, you will be filing with the insurance of the person you believe is at fault. The insurance agent assigned to your case will be looking at a variety of evidence, including any property damage, your medical bills, the police report, witness testimony, etc. Your lawyer will use the information provided so that you can get a fair settlement offer after the car accident.
What if we are both responsible for the accident occurring?
If you are both found to be liable for the car accident, then you can expect the compensation you receive to go down a certain amount. If you are found 30% responsible for the accident occurring, then the amount of compensation you would have gotten will be reduced by 30%. This is true up to 50%.
Find a Lawyer Who Can Help
Car accidents are simple until they are not. It can be especially difficult when you have already started a claim and come across issues or the other driver is claiming they are not responsible for the accident happening. If you are having issues with your car accident claim or would like help before you even begin the claims process, reach out to Norris Injury Law. Our Winder car accident lawyer is here to help you when you are ready.
Four Effective Methods for Establishing Liability in Car Accident Cases
A Winder, GA car accident lawyer understands that sometimes it is not clear who is liable in an accident. Proving who is at fault is crucial when seeking compensation for damages and injuries. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to establish liability in car accidents. In this listicle, we will explore four of these methods.
Eyewitness Testimonies:
Eyewitnesses can provide crucial and detailed information about how an accident happened. Their statements provide an objective account of what transpired, free from personal bias. Witnesses can testify about the actions of the drivers involved, the traffic conditions, and even the weather at the time of the accident. Gathering eyewitness testimonies should be a top priority after a car accident. It’s essential to collect contact information from these witnesses as their accounts can serve as powerful evidence in your case.
Police Reports:
Law enforcement officers play a pivotal role in investigating a car accident. They will assess the accident site, speak to witnesses, and document their findings in a police report. This report is a valuable piece of evidence in proving liability. It typically includes details about the drivers involved, their statements, any citations issued, and the officer’s assessment of fault. If the report assigns fault to the other driver, it can significantly strengthen your case. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available, as it can be instrumental in pursuing a claim.
Photographs and Video Evidence:
Capturing evidence can be done in a number of ways as a seasoned Winder car accident lawyer knows. After an accident, take photos and videos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. These visuals can provide a clear depiction of the accident’s aftermath and may reveal critical details that support your claim. For instance, skid marks on the road, damaged road signs, or traffic signals can be important indicators of liability. Additionally, dashcam footage from your own vehicle or other nearby vehicles can be invaluable in reconstructing the accident and determining fault.
Expert Testimonies and Accident Reconstruction:
When liability is disputed or not clear, expert witnesses can play a key role in dissecting the accident. Accident reconstruction experts are trained to analyze the available evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and physical evidence, to recreate the accident and determine liability accurately. These experts use their knowledge of physics, engineering, and accident dynamics to provide a professional opinion on how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Their testimony can carry substantial weight in court, helping to establish liability in a car accident case.
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Proving liability in car accidents is vital for seeking compensation for damages and injuries. By utilizing the four methods mentioned above – eyewitness testimonies, police reports, photographs and video evidence, and expert testimonies and accident reconstruction – you can build a strong case to support your claim. Remember to act swiftly after an accident to gather as much evidence as possible, as it can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Find out how you can obtain the legal counsel that you need and boost your compensation by speaking with a skilled Winder car accident lawyer from Norris Injury Law now.