What if You’re Blamed for a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault?

If you’re blamed for a car accident that isn’t your fault, get in touch with an experienced attorney right away to protect yourself from the financial fallout. 

You may not have caused an automobile accident, but the insurance company is claiming you were responsible for the collision. A car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you defend yourself in a civil lawsuit.

Do not be intimidated by a party who attempts to blame you for causing the automobile accident in which you suffered injuries. Working with a lawyer gives you the opportunity to protect yourself from wrongful accusations and even demand compensation for the losses you sustained due to someone else’s negligence.

Take These Important Steps to Protect Yourself 

If you suffer injuries during an automobile accident, then you must make sure you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If you are able to  walk in a safe manner and examine the accident scene following a collision, then you should do the following: 

• Notify the insurance claim adjuster by telephone and dispute the ruling if the insurance company finds you at-fault 
• Request a copy of the traffic collision report
• Dispute any traffic ticket you receive and do not pay the traffic ticket 
• Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses who observed the accident 
• Take photographs of the accident scene and any environmental conditions which may have contributed to the accident 
• Take video recordings of the property damage related to the automobile accident 

These steps will help you preserve evidence that can be used to dispute any determination of fault made by the other party’s insurance company. You need to make sure that you document any important evidence that can strengthen your case. Do not take an insurance company at their word, and always do everything within your power to enforce your legal rights. 

Never Admit that You Are At-Fault for the Automobile Accident 

Do not admit liability at the accident scene or any time thereafter. You do not have enough information about the automobile accident to make a determination of cause. If you admit liability then this will be used against you to weaken your civil lawsuit. 

Do not apologize at the accident scene. It is imperative that you protect your interests and do not provide statements to the other drivers and passengers who were involved in the automobile accident. The best thing you can do immediately after an automobile accident is wait for law enforcement officers to arrive before you exchange information with the other parties. 

Establishing that the Other Party Is Liable for the Automobile Accident 

You should collect relevant information after you are involved in an automobile accident. The more information you can collect at the accident scene, the more likely it will be that you can establish the liability of the other party. You may need to collect evidence weeks or months after the date of the incident. 

Acquiring evidence will help you build separate components of your case. A skilled car accident attorney can provide you with assistance during this process. An experienced lawyer can help you understand which types of evidence will be most beneficial to your civil lawsuit. 

Call 911 at the Scene of the Automobile Accident 

It is a good idea to contact 911 at the accident scene so a law enforcement agency will create a record of the accident. Some individuals may want to avoid calling law enforcement, but this is a mistake. The other driver involved in the accident may never admit that an automobile accident occurred. 

Law enforcement officers will speak with all the parties involved in the automobile accident. The traffic collision report will contain a record of this information. The information in the traffic collision report can help you substantiate your legal claims and establish that the other party was responsible for causing the automobile accident. 

Accident Reconstruction Experts 

Accident reconstruction experts are often used by attorneys to help gather information about what caused an automobile accident. These professionals will examine property damage, analyze medical records, observe surveillance footage, and scrutinize photographs to determine which party caused the automobile accident. 

Expert witnesses are important to civil lawsuits. Retaining a group of experts will put opposing counsel on notice that you are serious about substantiating your legal claims and challenging any theories put forth by the defense. Knowledgeable car accident attorneys are familiar with hiring accident reconstruction experts in automobile accident cases. 

Subpoena Requests 

A subpoena demands that a party produce documents or physical items to the requesting party. Sometimes a subpoena may require that a party appear in court on a specific date and at a specific time. A party who ignores a subpoena may be fined or jailed. 

The following are some records commonly requested in subpoenas: 

• Insurance records related to the other party 
• Medical records 
• Mobile phone records 
• Previous traffic collision reports 
• Training policies, company manuals, and company guidelines 
• The other driver’s employment history 

It can be frustrating to be blamed for causing an automobile accident when you know you were the victim. However, while gathering evidence and preparing for your case, the best thing you can do is focus on being calm and relaxed. Focus on seeking financial compensation for your injuries. 

Retaining an Attorney and Protecting Your Legal Rights 

You may not know what to do after suffering injuries during an automobile accident. Many victims feel frightened and anxious about seeking financial compensation for their injuries. However, it is not necessary to feel worried about standing up for yourself. 

An attorney can conduct depositions, file important paperwork, and handle the discovery phase of your case. Without an attorney by your side, you may lose your opportunity to preserve objections on appeal. Also, a legal advocate can help you perceive matters from a more objective perspective even if you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. 

Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation 

Our attorneys understand how to protect your legal interests. We have years of experience representing clients in automobile accident cases. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case. 

Do not get pushed around by insurance companies and opposing counsel. We can help you with every aspect of your personal injury case. Reach out today to learn more about how you can seek financial compensation for your injuries.