If another driver crashes into your car, it’s obviously a difficult time, and you naturally need compensation for the damages you suffer. You may, however, have questions about how to prove that the other driver is responsible for hitting your car. While common sense often prevails when it comes to determining fault, there are a variety of factors to consider.
When Liability Is Clear
There are certain kinds of accidents in which fault is fairly straightforward. For instance, if another driver hits you from behind, that driver is very likely responsible for the accident. As drivers, we are responsible for maintaining a safe distance between our own vehicles and the vehicles in front of us. Even if something unexpected causes you to stop short, the car following you is responsible for safely responding to your safe driving.
Accidents that involve drivers making left turns across oncoming traffic are also usually straightforward—as long as the oncoming vehicle has the right-of-way, isn’t speeding, and isn’t running a red light. Your experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyer will help you assess exactly who’s responsible in your unique situation.
Making a Police Report
If you’re in a car accident (that results in at least $1,000 of property damage) in Connecticut, you have five days to file a report. If the accident is serious, however, you should alert the authorities immediately. Not only is this the right thing to do, but the police report will also document the specifics of your accident, which can play an important role in proving that the other driver was at fault.
Gathering Evidence
If you suffered injuries and losses due to another driver, you can make a claim for compensation with the other driver’s insurance company. It is important that you gather as much evidence as you can in order to document and support your claim for compensation. Important evidence includes:
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Eyewitness accounts provided by people at the scene of the accident—get names and contact information from witnesses if you can
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Photographs and video taken at the scene of the accident—take photos of the cars and any visible signs of injury
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Medical records related to the injuries you incur—seek medical treatment for any injuries so that they are documented by medical professionals
If You Suffered Injuries in a Car Accident, You Need an Experienced Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney
If you sustained injuries due to another driver’s negligence, the last thing you need to worry about is proving that the driver is responsible. At Leighton, Katz & Drapeau, our dedicated legal team has faithfully served Connecticut drivers like you for nearly 30 years. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have the skill, knowledge, and compassion to help prove the other driver’s responsibility and to fight for the compensation to which you are entitled. We’re here to help, so please contact or call us at (860) 875-7000 today.
