When there is an accident on the road, most of the time it is very clear who is at fault. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes who is at fault can be contested and drivers will often try to shift blame away from themselves if at all possible. That’s why it’s so important that if you are in an accident where your not at fault that you follow the below steps to make sure you’re not the one who ends up paying.
Take notes
It’s a really good idea to write down your version of events as soon as you can after the accident has occurred. If either insurance company calls to establish who was at fault, its vital that you are able to describe what happened in as much detail as possible. If you don’t write anything down then you risk your side of the story being incomplete and having inconsistencies. In some instances this can be enough for investigators to find in favour of the other driver.
Take photos
By taking photos you arm yourself with proof of what has occurred and give investigators the best chance of getting to the truth. It’s important you take photos of the cars themselves and any relevant damage. It also helps to photograph any other impact the crash had. For example skid marks on the road, broken glass or damage to the roadside.
Ask witnesses for their details
Eyewitnesses can be an invaluable resource for investigators when they are trying to reconstruct an accident. If you see someone nearby who saw what happened politely ask them for their details and if they would be prepared to assist. If you are not at fault, having an unbiased third party who backs your side of the story could make all the difference.
If you can establish that the other party is at fault, not only will they have to pay damages, they may also have to pay for an accident courtesy car. This is why it pays to be prepared to prove your innocence. Follow the above steps and you give yourself the best chance of being found not liable. If you have been involved in an accident, contact us today to arrange an accident replacement car.
