Proving Fault in a Car Accident

By Staff Writer

If you’re in a car accident where the other driver is at-fault, there are certain things you must do in order to obtain compensation for your injuries, damages and lost wages.

Proving fault is the most critical – whether the car accident occurred here in Tennessee or anywhere. Laws can vary from state to state, but all require the injured party to prove fault before any judgments are made.

Proving fault is very easy sometimes…

A drunk driver for example is clearly negligent if they hit someone on the road. But in many instances, having more concrete and “official” proof is what you need to have in order for your claim to be successful and provide you with the level of compensation you require.

3 ways you can obtain this official proof of fault include:

1.        No-doubt liability – In some car accidents, it’s pretty clear who’s at fault since laws are very specific in these situations. Rear-end collisions and left-turn accidents are examples of “No-Doubt” liability here in Tennessee. While there are some limited exceptions to these rules, establishing fault is most often pretty simple in these situations.

2.       Police reports – One of the first things to do in any auto accident is to contact the police and file an accident report. Having copies of these reports are often the determining factor in how much compensation is awarded.

3.       State and local traffic laws – Additional support for an auto accident claim can be found through any applicable driving laws, either local or state (Tennessee). If the other driver was in violation of a driving law, you can use this to prove their fault in the case.

Remember though, proving fault is just the first step in ensuring you obtain the compensation you need. Often times, a car accident attorney is required to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible.

To learn more about proving fault in a car accident, check out our knowledge center article How to Prove Fault in an Auto Accident for more. And if you’ve been involved in a collision and need assistance in pursuing a claim for damages, contact Knoxville car accident attorneys at the Gilreath Law Firm today.

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