If you get seriously hurt and sue for damages after a car accident, proving that someone else is at fault is necessary. If you cannot prove fault, you cannot claim compensation, and proving that someone did something wrong can often be quite difficult! This is why you shouldn’t fight for compensation on your own. Instead, meet with our Monmouth County car accident attorneys and learn more about what our firm can do for you.
What Kinds of Evidence Can Be Used to Prove Fault?
Our lawyers can help you gather all sorts of evidence that can be used to prove fault and make the case for compensation. Some helpful items include:
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Surveillance camera or dashcam footage
- Police reports
- Witness testimony
- Testimony from expert witnesses, like accident recreation specialists
If something can help you prove fault, we’ll find it and use it.
What if Another Party Says I’m At Fault?
It shouldn’t surprise you when someone tries to accuse you of being at fault after an accident. Even being found partly at fault can affect your compensation. This is because New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
So you can sue for damages even if you are partly responsible for an accident, but you won’t win your full compensation offer. Let’s say you are awarded $100,000 and you are found to be 30% at fault for the crash. You still get compensation, but it’s reduced by 30%. Your award goes from $100,000 to $70,000.
If you are found to be more than 50% responsible for an accident, you cannot sue at all. So it’s in your interest to defend yourself and show that the other driver was negligent.
What Should I Do and What Should I Avoid Doing After an Accident?
Accident victims often make costly mistakes after a crash. This can be a stressful situation, but you should keep your wits about you and try to protect yourself here. Some things you should do after a crash include:
- Exchanging information with other involved drivers
- Taking pictures of the scene and damaged vehicles
- Calling the police to the scene so that they can make a report
When you take these steps, you are gathering crucial evidence and making sure that you are not getting fraudulent information from any other drivers involved. Some people don’t call the cops because they think that an accident was minor and others do too much talking. Just stick to exchanging information and don’t risk saying anything that could be interpreted as you admitting fault. You don’t want any statements you make to be used against you later.
Talk to a Lawyer
When you are ready to sue for damages, we are ready to help you build a convincing case. Contact the Wilton Law Firm and ask to schedule a free consultation today.