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“It wasn’t my fault!” is one of the first things many people say after being involved in a car accident. If you were in a recent San Diego car accident, this sentiment might have also crossed your mind.
But the truth is that determining fault in collisions isn’t usually up to the drivers. If it were, no one would ever be to blame for motor vehicle crashes.
So, how is fault in car accident cases in San Diego determined? Find out below.
Police Reports
In the aftermath of a San Diego car accident, you should call the local police to report the crash. A police officer will respond to the scene to ensure everyone is OK following a car accident before conducting an on-site investigation.
The officer will speak with you and any other drivers involved in your car crash. They will also talk to anyone who may have witnessed the event and analyze the scene of your accident to uncover any clues that might paint a clearer picture of what transpired.
Once the officer is finished, they will compile a complete report about your accident and make it available online. You can secure a police report of your crash from the San Diego Police Department to see who the officer felt was responsible.
Surveillance Footage
Were there traffic cameras in the area where your San Diego car accident took place? Did any local homes or businesses have cameras that may have caught your crash as it unfolded?
If you can track down surveillance footage that shows your accident occurring, it could come in handy during the car accident legal process. A personal injury lawyer can help get ahold of this footage for you and use it to determine car accident liability in your case.
Insurance Investigations
When trying to determine car accident fault, you will need to loop your auto insurance company into the mix. You’ll also need to include the auto insurance companies of any other drivers involved in your crash to ensure everyone is on the same page and aware of any legal action being taken.
Insurance adjusters will investigate your San Diego car accident from every angle. They will do this by:
- Speaking with you and others involved in your accident
- Talking to anyone who witnessed your crash
- Evaluating the damage done to your car and other vehicles
San Diego Car Accident Attorneys
No matter what police officers or insurance investigators might conclude about your San Diego car accident case, attorneys in the area can also assist you in determining who was at fault during your crash. They can do this by analyzing the existing evidence, seeking to collect more evidence, and even bringing in expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, to speak on your crash.
A car accident attorney in San Diego can also familiarize you with the California fault law. The Golden State has a comparative negligence law on the books that allows personal injury plaintiffs to recover damages after being injured in car crashes, even if they were partially to blame for them.
Reach Out to Our Legal Team After Being Involved in a Car Accident in San Diego
Are you struggling to determine who was at fault during a San Diego car accident you were in recently? The Law Office of Elliott Kanter can offer a case evaluation and help you figure it out.
We can also extend legal guidance throughout your car accident case in pursuit of a favorable outcome. Give us a call at 619-231-1883 today to schedule a consultation.
