How to Prove You Do Not Share Fault in a Scottsdale Car Accident Case

Car Accident
Car Accident

If you were in a car accident, you need to prove that you weren’t at fault. In Arizona, fault can affect how much compensation you get for your injuries. Being even slightly at fault can have an impact on your compensation. That’s why getting the right evidence early on can be very important.

People in Scottsdale know that roads like Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road are very busy and often report accidents. As a city that gets a lot of seasonal tourists, these accidents often involve drivers who are not from the area. It’s smart to get in touch with skilled car accident attorneys in Scottsdale if you’re involved in an accident here. They can help prove that the other person was totally to blame and protect you from getting unfairly blamed.

The article below will guide you on how to prove you do not share fault in a Scottsdale car accident case.

Get the Police Report

Get a copy of the accident report from the police officer who came to the scene. There are often important facts in this record that show who caused the crash. If the police officer gave the other car a ticket for breaking the law, that’s strong evidence. There may be diagrams, statements, and other helpful notes in the report as well.

Take Pictures and Videos

Words alone aren’t always enough to show what happened. Always take clear pictures of the accident scene, any damage, any injuries, and the condition of the road. Save the video from your dashcam if you have one. You could also use videos from nearby homes or businesses to show that you didn’t do anything wrong.

Find Witnesses

A neutral witness can make a big difference. If someone saw the crash, get their contact. Their words can support your account of what happened. You can win the case with just one good witness.

Use Expert Help

Sometimes, getting advice from experts can be very helpful. Accident reconstruction experts can explain what happened in the crash. Engineers and car damage experts can confirm the force and direction of the impact. Doctors can explain how your injuries are related to the crash if you need them to.

Document All Damages

Maintain records to show that the accident made you suffer. Keep your medical bills, prices for repairs, and proof of lost wages. You should also write down how your daily life changed because of the crash. These records prove that your claim is valid and support your case.

Respond to Shared Fault Claims

Sometimes, the other driver or their insurance company may try to shift the blame onto you, which is a bad faith tactic. If that happens, you need to show clear proof right away. You can fight back with pictures, witness statements, and reports from experts. The stronger your evidence, the less likely it is that someone will find you at fault.

Know the Four Elements of Negligence

These four elements will prove that the other car was at fault:

  • They had a duty to drive safely.
  • They broke that duty (like running a red light).
  • That’s what caused your accident.
  • You were hurt and suffered losses.

Having strong evidence for each step helps your case.