When you’re involved in a car wreck, determining fault is one of your most pressing concerns. If you’re found to be partially or entirely at fault for an accident, the financial and legal consequences could be severe. Even before you consult an auto accident attorney, you should be familiar with how fault is determined. Here are three factors that play a significant role in determining fault.

3 Factors That Determine Fault in Auto Accidents

1. Clear Traffic Law Violations

If one driver violated traffic laws, and those violations caused the accident, assigning fault is a relatively simple matter. In personal injury law, a plaintiff must be able to show that the defendant violated his or her duty of care. In terms of a traffic accident, this means the driver had a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely. By violating those laws, they breached their duty of care, and that negligence caused the accident.

2. Police Report

Many insurance companies prefer to have an official police report on file, while others may require it. If the police don’t respond to the accident, you should notify the other driver that you intend to file a police report and ask if they would like to meet you at the police station. This way, you can each provide an account of the accident. Once you have your copy of the police report, you should present it to the attorney handling your case.

3. Pictures of Vehicle Damage

In some situations, the damages done to each vehicle can help a professional, such as a police officer or auto accident attorney, determine which driver was at fault. This is why it’s crucial to take pictures of the damage at the scene. In addition to getting close-up photos of the damage, try to take pictures that show the accident scene in its entirety. Sometimes, the position in which the vehicles stopped and the features of the intersection can also help determine fault.

The Law Office Of T J Morelli-Wolfe PC provides personal injury representation to accident victims in Norwich, CT. When you need an auto accident attorney, it’s important to find a lawyer with experience and dedication. To learn more about how the firm can help you recover damages, visit their website. To schedule an initial consultation with this skilled auto accident attorney, call (860) 859-9899.