Being involved in a car accident is frightening and overwhelming. A collision can change your life in an instant, and you may not be sure what you can do to pick up the pieces and move forward from this point. You may know that your accident was not your fault, but what can you do to prove fault and hold liable parties accountable?
Sometimes, determining fault is clear, and other times it is not. It can be a difficult process to identify exactly what happened and how it happened, but these are important answers you need if you want to pursue a personal injury claim. You may find it helpful to learn more about the assignment of fault, what insurance companies look for and how you can build a strong case for your claim.
Who is really to blame?
In the moment of a car accident, you may not be sure what is happening or what was happening around you when another vehicle crashed into yours. In the aftermath of your accident, the insurance company will come in and determine what happened and who is to blame, as well as the value of any damage done. Some of the things the insurance company will look at include:
- The events preceding the collision
- Witness statements from those involved in the accident and those who saw it
- All available information from drivers, passengers and others directly involved in the incident
Sometimes, this process is enough to determine fault. In cases where it is not immediately clear who is to blame, an insurance company may decide that both parties share the blame.
It is helpful to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. These companies are more concerned with their own bottom lines, and you may have to fight for a fair outcome and for the recovery you need to address your financial losses associated with the accident.
You don’t have to fight alone
It’s not easy to know where to begin after an accident, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and getting what you need for a full and fair recovery. You may benefit from speaking with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident in order to better understand the legal options available to you. If you have grounds for a legal claim, it is beneficial to act quickly, as these cases are time-sensitive.
