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How Do I Prove Fault In A Car Accident?

When you get injured in a car accident and believe that someone else is at fault for the crash, you have to do your best to back up your side of the story. You can try to do this on your own, but proving negligence can be tough. Instead, let our Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers help you gather the evidence you need and make a compelling case for compensation.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

You can start building a case in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. We recommend:

Taking pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage: These can be used as evidence later.

Calling the police: If someone was hurt in an accident, the police should come out and make a report. This report can tell you how an accident occurred and would mention if anyone was arrested at the scene.

Keeping chatter to a minimum: Exchange information with other drivers involved, but don’t talk too much. Anything that sounds like an apology or admittance of fault could be used against you.

See a doctor: Even if you do not feel hurt, make an appointment with your doctor and go as soon as possible. You want to get all injuries properly diagnosed right away.

What Kinds of Evidence Can Help Me Prove Fault?

There are a few pieces of evidence that can help you build a strong case and prove that someone else’s negligence caused your crash. Items that can help include:

  • Police reports
  • Witness testimony
  • Video footage of the accident
  • Photos of the scene and vehicle damage
  • Medical records
  • Testimony from medical experts or accident reconstruction experts

If it will help you make your case, your lawyer will help you find it.

What If I Am Partly At Fault?

A lawyer can help defend you from any accusations of wrongdoing or negligence. That’s especially important in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. due to negligence rules. Some states allow you to sue for damages if you are partly responsible for a crash, but these states do not. If someone else accuses you of sharing blame for the accident, you must defend yourself or your will lose your chance of claiming compensation.

Can Multiple Parties Be At Fault?

One thing that can complicate a case like this is the presence of multiple drivers or parties who can be at fault. If you think that multiple people contributed to the accident and your injuries, you can sue all of them for damages. Some examples of this would include:

  • Two drivers who behaved negligently and helped cause a crash
  • A truck driver who tested positive for drug use and an employer who encourages drivers to skip mandatory rest breaks
  • A driver who goes through a malfunctioning traffic light and the government entity responsible for maintaining working traffic signals

Your lawyer can help you build a case against all negligent parties and hold them accountable.

Contact Our Law Firm

If you want to learn more about what an experienced personal injury lawyer can do for you, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about the potential value of your case.