Car crashes generally inspire major expenses. Even cosmetic damage to a vehicle can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair. More serious collisions can leave drivers in need of replacement vehicles and coping with significant injuries. They have medical bills and possibly lost wages to recoup.
Fault plays a big part in the compensation claims process after a car wreck. The driver at fault has legal and financial liability. They may need to provide compensation to the others involved in the collision. People hoping to pursue compensation after car crashes typically need to prove who was at fault for a wreck to hold the right party accountable.
How can people establish fault after major collisions?
With objective evidence
Some people are fortunate enough to have easily verifiable proof of fault after a crash. Dashboard cameras have become increasingly popular, and the video footage they record could clearly prove that the other driver was at fault. There might also be traffic camera footage of the collision or even security camera footage from a nearby residence or business that can help establish who was at fault. Other times, there could be chemical evidence showing that one driver was under the influence of drugs or mobile phone records that can help prove they texted immediately before a crash and were too distracted to focus on the road.
With witness statements
When there isn’t objective evidence available, then people may turn to witness statements. Passers-by and others near the collision in traffic may have witnessed the crash and the moments leading up to the wreck. They could help validate claims that another driver ran a red light or had their phone in their hand immediately prior to the collision.
With a crash recreation
In cases where there are no digital records, photographs or other clear evidence that can affirm who was at fault, it may be necessary to have professionals recreate the collision. Forensic specialists and professionals with certain types of software can create dramatized depictions of a crash that recreate what happened. These recreations can help convince the courts that the other driver was likely at fault for the collision.
Those hoping to pursue compensation after major car crashes sometimes need help determining how to prove their case and hold the other driver accountable. Discussing the crash and its aftermath with someone familiar with insurance claims and lawsuits can help people respond appropriately after a wreck.