Fault is often a major factor in what happens after a car crash. If one driver blames another for a collision, they may try to file an insurance claim against the other driver’s policy or, possibly, even sue them in civil court.
Unfortunately, drivers who cause wrecks may be reluctant to admit their mistakes, nor do they want to pay for them. They may try to flip the blame around and allege that the victim is really at fault. If that happens, what can the victim do to show who was actually to blame for the crash?
They document the scene of the wreck
People do need to move their vehicles for safety and the convenience of others in traffic after a crash. Still, before taking that step, it is typically a good decision whenever possible to document the scene.
Showing not just damage to the vehicles but also their placement relative to landmarks and one another in a series of photographs or a video could help with collision reconstruction and forensics later and help validate someone’s claims that they were not the one to blame for a wreck.
They find video footage or witnesses
When one driver wants to wrongfully blame the other for a crash, a police officer may not know which person told the truth and which one lied. Finding security camera, dashboard camera or traffic camera footage of the crash could help clarify the scenario, as could securing testimony from witnesses who saw what happened during, before or even right after the wreck.
Motorists worried that the other driver may try to twist the situation to their detriment should speak up for themselves after a crash. Taking the right steps after a motor vehicle collision can help reduce someone’s liability for a claim afterward.