Getting involved in a car accident is something everybody wants to avoid, especially while traveling. Involvement may not just cause physical injury and trauma, but the aftermath may prove to be stressful, especially when it comes to damages. Whether the damage is minor or significant, it can still be a hassle to all parties involved. It is especially true for cars with minimal to no insurance. The determination of fault in car accidents is somehow the same in the entire United States, but it may vary slightly by state.
Let’s take California, for example, in here, state laws are stricter, and there are variations. The best way to go when involved in an accident within the jurisdiction of the state is to seek the legal assistance of personal injury lawyers in west covina.
In California, there are laws stating who is at fault when it comes to car accidents. Determining liability can be difficult, but the fault or liability of a car accident depends on who’s right or wrong. Liable parties should not only expect compensation from the other party involved in the collision, but they may need to pay for damages to their own car.
Personal injury Lawyers
Hiring someone who has in-depth knowledge and experience in the matter will not just make things easier for you, but will save you unnecessary expenses. It is also good to have basic knowledge of how they determine fault for automobile accidents. The thing about accidents is that there is no way to determine who the guilty party is. Some say that speed and volume of speed are generally the reasons for crashes, but sometimes those accused of these incidents get off scot-free, especially if they have a professional lawyer on their side.
Before you blame it on the other person or just ignore it all altogether, here are a few things to remember:
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Gather Witness Information
Right after the accident, and if you or someone with you is still capable, it is strongly advised to gather witness information. It is important to note their names and phone numbers so your lawyer may get in touch with them quickly in the future. Witnesses may offer valuable information to your attorney and police officers to accurately determine who is at fault for the accident. Once you hire an attorney, give this crucial information to him. If you delay, the witnesses might forget the details of the incident, or they might not be willing to help out anymore.
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Take Photographic Evidence
You might think it is crazy to take photos right after an accident, but it is crucial. Take as many pictures as you can from different points of view at the accident scene. It is also advisable to take photos of the damages in all vehicles involved in the accident. Furthermore, take shots of the road where it took place. You should also photograph any injuries that resulted from the crash. These will come in handy when the court determines who is at fault for the accident, especially when there are complications.
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Secure Medical Records
Even when you feel fine, you must seek medical attention right after the auto accident. It is to ensure that you are indeed safe. If you have injuries, the medical records will act as a solid proof of the severity of the damages on you. It may prove essential, especially when determining that the other party is at fault.
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Seek Legal Counsel
A lot of drivers involved in car crashes often avoid additional expenses by not hiring an attorney. But truth be told, this is a big mistake. Not seeking legal assistance or not hiring an attorney to help in settling the accident might cost you a lot of money. It is always advisable to ask a lawyer’s aid when involved in car accidents for your protection. It is to make sure that you don’t get blamed and charged for something you didn’t do. It is also beneficial for insurance claims.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to car accidents, everyone usually asks this common question: Who is at fault? If you have been involved in an accident, what’s laid out above is some basic information you need to know. What is considered at-fault for car accidents? As mentioned earlier, your claim will now be handled by your insurance company. However, even if you “lose” the case due to obvious reasons not entirely involving your own fault or deliberate intent to cause harm, better yet consult a personal injury attorney to get a clear resolution for your case.
About The Contributor Lem Garcia
Lem Garcia founded Lem Garcia Law in 2014. It has become one of the fastest-growing and most well-respected personal injury law offices in Southern California, having recovered millions of dollars for clients. He received a journalism degree from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and loves to share personal injury law with the world via social media platform TikTok with over 20,000 subscribers.
