How To Effectively Dispute Car Accident Liability
If you have ever been involved in a car accident and felt unfairly treated, there is a way to seek redress. You can get help from an experienced legal expert in this regard. Kindly read more here to know how to go about it.
Tips to dispute fault during a car accident
If you had an accident in any fault-based car insurance state and the insurance company views you as at fault, here are some steps.
- Get contact and names of any witnesses who may have seen what happened during the crash
- Take snapshots of the different parts of the damaged car, and look for skid marks, debris and other relevant aspects of the accident scene.
- Ensure to ask for a copy of the police report written about the crash
Also, if you notice any injury on yourself, you should quickly get medical help so that the insurance company argues that you are delayed in getting treatment.
What to do next
1. Inform the insurance company of your displeasure with their decision
At this point, ensure to inform the insurance company that you aren’t comfortable with their fault decision. You can do this through writing and a phone call. Let them know of your intent to take further action in the matter. More often than not, expressing your displeasure will lead to further investigations, revealing more facts about the issue.
2. Use the dispute process of the insurance company
Several insurance companies have specially crafted internal policies governing fault investigations, and you may have to tender your testimony. Ensure you know your right in this case because you don’t want to make statements that could negatively influence the case’s outcome.
3. Ask for an amendment to the police reports
If you disagree with the content of the police report relating to the accident, reach out to the investigating officer and tender your testimony. There is always a chance that you could add your opinion to the report.
4. Contest any ticket received due to the accident
If you are faced with a situation where the insurance company’s conclusion is based on receiving a traffic violation about the accident, you should fight the ticket in court. Even if you fail in this, your actions will portray you as someone keen on protecting their rights.
5. Hire an Attorney
Many people get shortchanged by their insurance companies in the first place because they didn’t consult a lawyer. Before filing for an appeal, make sure you seek the opinion and expertise of an attorney who specializes in accident claims. Make certain the Attorney is in the loop regarding every step of the process.
6. Know that fault isn’t always necessary in car accident issues
While this may seem strange to hear, the cause of the crash is usually not the main issue in an auto accident. For instance, determining the fault isn’t relevant to most accident injury claims in a no-fault state. The reason for this is that no-fault schemes indicate that a policyholder will initially receive compensation for losses from their insurer.
Get help
If you have decided to dispute a fault find resulting from an auto accident, know that insurance firms act better when lawyers are involved. Being unrepresented may expose you to unpleasant experiences, and you may not get the best outcomes. Your case is better resolved if you engage the services of an expert attorney with a solid track record in such matters.
