One of the steps after a car accident will be collecting evidence so that you can prove the other driver’s negligent actions were the cause of your crash. It may help to consult a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta who can explain the types of documentation and information that should be assembled for your particular claim.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident
If you hope to be compensated after an accident, you will need to show that the other driver either was mostly or completely at fault. The more proof you have, the stronger your case may be.
Simply reviewing the driving laws of the state can help clarify some of the lesser-known rules of the road. Going into your claim with knowledge of these rules may prove beneficial. For instance, the 2012 Driver’s Manual for the Georgia Department of Driver Services states that a u-turn shouldn’t be made near the top of a hill or a curve if motorists approaching from other directions can’t see you.
If your car collides with a vehicle that is making a U-turn, the location of where it happened could show it wasn’t safe to do so. Not only could knowledge of state driving rules help prove liability, but also pictures of the accident could prove instrumental, such as when demonstrating where the u-turn was made.
Accident reports can be helpful in proving negligence. Observations and opinions from the responding officer could help establish fault. If the other driver was ticketed, this will also be noted in the report and could help your claim.
Collecting as much evidence as you can is just one of the critical steps after a car accident. You also should contact a lawyer for legal advice and, of course, seek medical attention even if you don’t require attention at the scene.
Seeking Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that approximately 20.8 percent of fatal accidents occur at an intersection. No matter where your crash happens, it’s important to seek legal counsel if you were seriously injured. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656. We will explain the types of evidence that will be necessary and other important steps to take when pursing a car accident claim.