After ensuring everyone is safe and getting the medical care they need, those involved in a car accident will then shift to assigning blame for the collision. This occurs because someone will be held liable for the accident and that liability lands on the at-fault driver, making them responsible for any injuries, as well as any damages they may have caused to the other car.

This means that all costs associated with the accident, including repair costs, medical expenses, and damages for pain and suffering, are the responsibility of the at-fault driver and their insurance company. You must demonstrate that you were the accident victim since the at-fault motorist is financially responsible for your injuries.

There's one important thing to remember. When in an accident in Connecticut, which is a “fault” state, you must show proof that the other driver was at fault, no matter how mild or severe it was. Keep reading to delve into this further.

We recommend speaking to a CT car accident lawyer who can build a case and gather evidence. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law provides a free case evaluation, so there's no risk in calling us for help.

Determining Fault in a Car Accident

The driver that caused the accident is the one who is deemed to be at fault, and the police will identify this driver using pre-established rules and procedures. An example of this would be when a driver rear-ends another vehicle. In almost all states, the liable party would be the driver who hits the other from behind. Or, the driver who makes a left turn is another example.

The drivers in these situations are at fault because it was their responsibility to leave greater space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, so that they would have had enough room to brake safely. Furthermore, if a driver is making a left turn, they must yield to oncoming traffic; if they don't, they are at fault for the collision.

Below are some important elements to determining fault:

Police Report

It is far more challenging to assign fault for an accident when there is neither a rear-end collision nor a left turn. As a result, police investigators will need to gather as much data as they can to help them identify the driver who is to blame.

Typically, police officers will document everything at the scene of the accident, noting any vehicle damage, taking photos, and speaking with everyone at the scene and getting a written or verbal statement.

Police reports are generally examined by insurance companies to determine who was at fault. As a result, calling the police to survey the scene and compile a report should be one of the first things done after an accident.

Even if the crash was minor, you should ask the police to file a report and document everything that you can later use to demonstrate negligence.

Compiling Evidence

Following an accident, insurance companies review all pertinent information to determine who was at fault. All supporting documentation you can offer in the wake of the accident will support your case for negligence on the part of the other party. Evidence in a car accident case could consist of:

• Photos of the scene of the accident
• Photos of damage to the car
• Photos of traffic signals and any traffic signs
• Debris or tire tracks

Your insurance can use all of this information to figure out what happened at the scene and identify the responsible party.

Witnesses

Witness testimony is important information for an insurance company to determine who is at fault. Under normal circumstances, neither driver wants to admit fault for the crash. Eyewitnesses can provide an objective, unbiased picture of what happened.

After an accident, identify any witnesses who might be able to provide testimony about the facts surrounding the collision. In case you need to call them later, make sure you jot down their contact information (names, phone numbers, and addresses).

Negligence in Car Accidents

You could have a case against the at-fault driver if you had serious injuries in a car accident and the other driver exhibited negligence in their behavior or actions. Driving negligence can take many different forms. Examples of negligent acts while driving include:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield the right of way 
• Disregarding traffic laws, signals or signs
• Drowsy driving

You should speak with a Connecticut car accident lawyer who can help determine if you have enough evidence to show that the driver was negligent and caused the collision.

Our Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

The attorney team at Brandon J. Broderick, a personal injury law firm that focuses on many types of personal injury including car accidents, has the experience to gather evidence to support your claim and increase your payout. It is in your best interest to review your case with an attorney if you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident as a result of a negligent driver.

Without legal counsel and a seasoned negotiator on your side, the insurer may present you with a very low offer, which may not even cover your losses. Don't fall for this. Let us do the talking for you.

Reach out to us right away, and we can provide free case consultation.