How Is Fault Determined in Colorado Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen for a variety of reasons. They can leave you suffering serious, disabling, and life-threatening injuries. Road, traffic, and weather conditions may be a factor. But it is often the reckless or negligent behaviors of other drivers that are to blame. Proving fault for car accidents and injuries is crucial. It helps ensure that you get the compensation you need to recover.

Five Ways to Prove Fault in a Car Accident

Fault is critical when filing an injury claim or lawsuit in the aftermath of a car accident. The following are four ways in which you may be able to prove the other driver was at fault.

The type of accident: When a car accident occurs, and the type of collision and the impact to your vehicle can give clues as to what happened and which driver is to blame:

• Damage to either the driver’s side or passenger doors indicates a side swipe collision in which the other driver may have engaged in improper passing or failure to yield.
• A head-on collision could show the other driver was under the influence or driving distracted. This is accurate if your vehicle was in the correct lane prior to the collision.
• A rear end collision shows the other driver failed to maintain control of their vehicle. It may also indicate aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or tailgating.

Police reports: The Colorado Driver Handbook advises notifying law enforcement immediately of any car accident involving injuries or property damages. The police will fill out an accident report. It will list the other drivers and any notes from the scene. This can provide crucial details in proving fault. Accident reports may be obtained at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Witness statements: It is also important to make note of any witnesses who may have seen how the accident occurred. Witness testimony is a key form of evidence in proving blame. Even if they are reluctant to get involved or appear in court, your car accident attorney can subpoena a statement.

Accident investigations: Accident reconstruction experts can examine the facts of a crash. Video surveillance tapes from nearby stores or traffic lights can be useful during this process.

Medical records and statements from your physician also provide key evidence for your car accident injury claim. Regardless of your symptoms, you should seek medical attention right after a car accident.

Our Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Is Here to Help

If you have been injured as the result of a car accident, contact Roberts Accident Law, LLC today. Our Denver car accident lawyer provides the professional legal representation you need to show the other driver was to blame.

We will help you get the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to for the damages you suffer. We serve Denver and the surrounding areas; call or contact our office online today to request a free consultation and to see how we can help.