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How Do You Prove Who is at Fault in a Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident?

Many accident victims are certain that the other person was at fault in causing the accident. It may even be obvious. Regardless, you still have to prove that the other driver was at fault. For non-lawyers, they can be quickly sandbagged by the insurance companies, and unsure as to how to proceed. Proving fault is a critical step in getting the compensation you deserve. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to face this process alone. Founded in 1992, the car accident attorneys at Slappey & Sadd can help you get your life back. We help people in the Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia. If you’re injured and need help, call us at 404-255-6677 or contact us online – consultations are always free. 

Sometimes The Facts Speak for Themselves

In some cases, the most basic facts can determine who was at fault. Rear-end accidents are a good example – if you’ve been rear-ended by another driver, it’s almost always the other driver’s fault. Other cases may not be as straight-forward, but an experienced car accident attorney can identify the facts that can at least help establish fault, if not prove it outright. 

Traffic Violations

In any car accident case, you need to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your accident. Traffic violations, such as running a red light, making an illegal turn, or speeding, often lead to car accidents. If the other driver was ticketed for a traffic violation, that may be sufficient evidence to prove that their negligence caused the accident. 

Get Statements From Witnesses

When you pursue a personal injury claim, keep in mind that your version of events will be considered biased. As a result, getting good statements from witnesses about the accident can be critical to a successful recovery. Third-party witnesses are considered neutral because they have no stake in the outcome of your claim. As a result, their statements are often considered to be objective and therefore can be highly persuasive. 

Ask any witnesses to provide you with a written (or otherwise recorded) statement that provides as much detail as possible. It’s important that their statement is in their own words. Preserving the facts as they remember them is very important because memories fade over time.  Your case could take months to get resolved, possibly even years. You want to be sure that you a clear record of the facts. 

Get a Copy of the Accident Report from the Police 

If the police were called to the scene of the accident, they later filed an accident report. The accident report can be a tremendous asset to your case. Similar to witness statements, it will also be considered neutral and objective. The report may contain a wealth of helpful information – the date, time, and location of the accident, the identities of the parties involved, and a basic description of what happened. The report may also identify any traffic violations, and based on the officer’s experience, may identify what caused the accident. Police reports aren’t infallible, but they can be vital in establishing fault. 

Contact an Atlanta Area Car Accident Lawyer at Slappey & Sadd

Don’t let someone else’s negligence harm your future. We can help you hold them and their insurance company accountable. If you’re in pain and don’t know what to do, call us at 404-255-6677 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help you. 

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