If you get into an auto accident and plan to take legal action, you’ll want to be aware of the important factors that will play a major role in determining the outcome of your case. Educating yourself on these details will help you and your attorney put together a stronger case and navigate through legal challenges with less difficulty. Here are three important elements of any auto accident case that you’ll want to be aware of so that you can be the most prepared to face the legal system.
Proving Fault
Proving who was at fault for the accident can greatly affect the outcome of a case. Video and photographic images taken with a mobile phone can be analyzed to give the judge or any other deciding parties of your case a better idea of who was really at fault. It should also be noted if the other driver was negligent due to being under influence or other careless distractions. If you believe that you did in fact cause the accident, you shouldn’t admit fault at the scene since there could have been other factors that contributed to the accident that were beyond your control.
Local Laws
Laws vary from state to state regarding auto accidents, and laws can even vary from city to city in some states. Knowing your local laws will help you take a better course of action when it comes to resolving your claim. You might live in a “no-fault” state, which means that you’ll need to collect money from your own insurance instead of expecting the other driver’s insurance company to cover your damages. Laws regarding DUI can also vary between jurisdictions. The auto accident lawyer who you hire can explain your local laws and answer any questions you may have.
How Soon a Claim Was Submitted
If you wait too long after the accident to submit a claim to your insurance company, you’ll have a much more difficult time proving your case and collecting compensation. It’s generally best to notify your insurance company within 24 hours of the accident. Proving your case in court will also be much easier if you submitted a claim within a short timeframe. If you need intervention from law enforcement, you should call the police from the scene of the accident so that a statement from you can be taken by the officer and any necessary actions can be taken against the other driver.
You’ll have an easier time sorting through all your legal matters if you know about the important elements of an auto accident case. The right attorney can provide the additional guidance that will help you reach a favorable resolution.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
