The cardinal rule of car accidents is that you always call the police. The police can create a report that can be used to solve legal disputes and file claims with the respective insurance companies. Not involving the police results in complications, especially when you decide to hire a car accident injury attorney. It is not entirely a lost cause, though. Here is how to resolve the "at fault" dispute when you and the other driver did not involve the police.
Take Lots of Pictures
If you are like ninety-nine percent of most people, you have a camera in your phone. Take lots of pictures of your vehicle. If possible, take pictures of the other vehicle. Better still, if you remembered to do this at the scene of the accident and you have pictures of exactly how the other driver hit you, this is great. Your lawyer can and will work with that. Take pictures of your injuries and any injuries of the people in the car with you as well. As much visual evidence as you can get will make a very big difference in how your case goes in court. (Judges love visual hardcore evidence because it is irrefutable.)
Look for Traffic Cams
Traffic cameras, ATM bank cameras, and security cameras on the outside of bodegas and mini-marts might capture the accident in real time. That video evidence is golden in proving who hit who. It also reveals just how fast either car was moving when the collision occurred. If you hire a lawyer within twenty-four hours of your accident, he//she may be able to get that video footage from the police, the banks, and/or store owners and have copies made for court. (Subpoenas may be necessary.)
Gather All Medical Records Related to Your Injuries
Medical records are another big proof item. If the other driver was not injured at all and never received medical attention for anything, and you have a stack of papers from the E.R., your doctor, and your health insurance company regarding what they will and will not cover, that helps. It shows that the other driver hit your vehicle with such force that you were injured and they were not. That reflects on your story that the other driver was "at fault," and should be responsible for all related medical costs, bills, and the restoration of your vehicle and possibly any lost wages.
For more information and tips, contact an attorney from a firm like Siben & Siben LLP.
