According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over five million to over six million annual crashes happen in the U.S.

Determining the responsible party in a car accident is a crucial aspect when filing for claims. That is why the role of a lawyer is significant in such a case. They gather evidence and analyze facts, applying relevant laws to demonstrate negligence or wrongdoing. 

They can help you determine whether comparative fault applies to your case and, if so, how it could affect your recovery, says car accident lawyer Ryan J. McKone.

The attorneys would also interview witnesses and experts to understand the finer details of the sequence. But how do they actually combine these elements to assign liability? Let’s find out!

Gathering and Analyzing Evidence

Evidence collection and analysis is paramount in assigning fault in the event of an auto collision. The more information collected, the better. 

Begin by collecting photo evidence of the accident scene. Make sure to capture the damage of the vehicle and injuries sustained from the collision. Also, keep in mind the weather conditions when the incident happened and the road signs as well. 

Engage with any witnesses from the site and collect their contact information since their testimonies might be helpful to your case. If the police come along, do get an accident report from them. 

This documentation can significantly strengthen your claim. Bringing together the pieces of evidence is a process of showing the actual course of events and that they are part of a society that pays attention to accountability and justice. Support is their due.

Understanding Traffic Laws and Regulations

Knowing the traffic rules and regulations is the best thing to have ready in your mind after a road accident. By understanding the applicable traffic rules, you can recognize who should be made responsible for the accident. Traffic laws and regulations address all problems related to speeding, running red lights, or not yielding in particular cases of negligence.

Different states have different laws so the local laws should always be the first to be thought of. For example, the regulations relating to a car accident in California might be different from the ones in other states, especially in terms of liability and compensation. You don’t have to become a lawyer; just allot some time to do so. With everybody obeying laws, the environment grows safe for all. 

Having knowledge concerning a provision gives you the power to advocate for yourself to be treated fairly throughout the process.

Interviewing Witnesses and Experts

Another part of the process in establishing fault in a car accident is to look for witness statements and experts’ opinions. Witnesses usually just tell us what they think has happened. 

They want to feel comfortable, so the interview should ease that comfort so that the witnesses can relate fully to what they observed, using open-ended questions.

Examples of experts would include reconstructionist of accidents who analyze evidence and provide their opinions. An expert opinion can significantly impact your case. 

Forming a working relationship with the witnesses and experts is imperative because their collaboration can, once again, really cause a clear picture to emerge from the dim. Your connection will solidify the case, working side by side.

Utilizing Accident Reconstruction Techniques

Even if you may already have gathered witness statements and expert opinions, the use of accident reconstruction techniques can seriously enhance your case because it brings about a more detailed rendering of the dynamics of the accident. 

Making a three-dimensional representation of the crash helps one to visualize how speed, angles, road conditions, and so on affect the situation: The more you work alongside professionals, the more relevant details will emerge. 

This can go a long way in strengthening the case, as the community comes together, all seeking the truth. It is a process that can back up your case while giving you confidence in prosecuting for justice.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

After gathering the evidence and determining fault, the next crucial step is negotiating with insurance companies. 

Present your evidence with clarity of why the other party is the one at fault. Prepare for resistance since the adjusters of insurance companies will do their best to keep payouts to as little as possible. 

Keep calm and be resolute. Do not accept the first offer in haste. Take a few days to assess the offer in light of your damages and losses. In truth, you are worthy of compensation commensurate to what you’ve suffered. 

Your attorney will stand with you through the process, attempting to get you a fair resolution.