Many motor vehicle collisions occur because of the mistakes or improper conduct of one driver in particular. People underestimate how much alcohol affects their driving ability or overestimate their ability to multitask.
In a perfect world, the people who cause collisions through dangerous or irresponsible choices would admit their mistakes. The unfortunate reality is that people do not want to face legal or financial consequences for their errors and misconduct. Distracted, drunk and other dangerous drivers may blatantly lie to police officers at the scene of a crash in an attempt to avoid personal responsibility.
How can a party who didn’t cause an injurious crash help prove that the other party was at fault?
Preserving evidence as soon as possible
Someone who seems apologetic and earnest initially might completely change their demeanor when police officers arrive. They may start blaming the other driver after lulling them into a false sense of complacency. The best way to protect against someone misrepresenting what happened is to document the incident as thoroughly and authoritatively as possible. If a crash does not damage someone’s phone, they can potentially start recording video and taking photographs immediately after a crash. The evidence that they collect can assist with crash reconstructions that help affirm their version of events and raise questions about the actions of the other driver involved.
Communicating suspicions to police officers
Perhaps one driver saw a phone in the hand of the other right before a crash occurred. Maybe a driver slurred their speech and appeared drunk initially after a crash but has mostly sobered up by the time police officers arrive. The best way to help an officer successfully determine the cause of a crash is to communicate suspicions to them after the collision occurs. Telling them about the possibility of chemical intoxication or phone use could help them access and preserve evidence that could corroborate those claims.
Knowing when to get help
Particularly in scenarios where one driver does not admit their mistakes or responsibility for a collision, obtaining appropriate compensation can be a challenge. Drivers may need help discussing matters with insurance companies or gathering evidence to take the matter to civil court.
Lawyers can assist those dealing with frustrating crash-related issues by taking over communications with outside parties, educating them about their rights and handling most of the negotiations or paperwork required. With the right assistance, those affected by another driver’s misconduct and lies can increase their chances of obtaining appropriate compensation after a crash. Given how costly collisions can be, proving who was truly at fault can be crucial for someone’s financial recovery.
