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Determining Fault by Location of Damage in a Car Accident

Submitted by cm on

You can use the damage to your vehicle in a car accident to help determine who is at fault. With most accidents, it's the car insurance company that will take the lead in determining who was responsible for causing the crash.

In many cases, it'll be a claims adjuster who conducts the investigation. This investigation may consist of interviewing the drivers and passengers from the accident, as well as any witnesses who saw what happened. The claims adjuster may also look at photographs, car repair estimates, a police report, and video surveillance footage.

How Can I Use Car Damage to Determine Fault?

The claims adjuster can help piece together what happened during the accident by assessing the damage to the vehicles. This includes the location of the damage, type of damage, airbags going off, etc. all of which can help prove fault.

For example, a vehicle travelling in a certain direction at a certain speed should sustain particular damage when it collides with another vehicle. By looking at the damage to both vehicles, it is possible to determine how the accident took place. Sometimes, the damage can show exactly how the accident occurred.

For example with a head-on collision if both vehicles have damaged their front fenders, then this shows they collided with each other at a particular impact point which will help to determine who is to blame.

Other types of car accidents will leave damage at different places on your car. For example, with a head on collision the obvious damage would be to the front bumper of your car and the car you collided with. If you were rear-ended your back bumper and the other vehicles should show signs that they have both been damaged.

What Other Evidence Do You Need to Prove Fault in a Car Accident?

One of the key factors that determine your chances of winning compensation for a car accident that was not your fault is the type of evidence you can provide. As well as evidence from the damage done to both vehicles in a car accident other useful information to help determine who and what caused the car accident are the following:

  • witness statements;
  • police reports;
  • medical records;
  • car repair invoices, etc.

This evidence helps to prove who or what caused the accident and will help you to get the compensation you deserve.

Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Where the damage occurred to a vehicle in a car accident can help to determine who or what caused the accident. It is never easy to win the compensation you deserve but talking to an attorney will help to ensure you get that compensation.

A car accident lawyer knows exactly what the insurance adjuster will accept before agreeing to the claim. He or she will ensure the right evidence is provided to support the claim.