Before anyone can get compensation after an auto accident, liability must be established. In most auto accidents, liability falls on drivers who violated traffic laws in the moments leading up to impact—whether it was by speeding, driving while distracted, following too closely, or failing to yield, to name a few common ways.
But sometimes, liability isn’t easily proven. Both drivers may deny responsibility after a crash, including the driver who caused the collision. And unless there’s ample evidence, eyewitness accounts, or video of the crash occurring, police may be unsure of who caused the crash, resulting in an inconclusive report and difficulty for the innocent party if they decide to pursue compensation.
Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Inconclusive or Incorrect Accident Reports
All auto accidents involving injuries or property damage in Oklahoma must be reported to police. And while police can usually determine who was at fault soon after arriving at the scene, that’s not always the case. Their reports may be inconclusive, or they may even determine the innocent driver was at fault.
When this happens, insurance companies are quick to deny victims the money they deserve. After all, why should they pay fair compensation when there’s no clear proof of who was at fault—or even the existence of police reports suggesting the victims caused their own crashes? But an experienced auto accident attorney can help prove who was really at fault.
We Take an Evidence-Based Approach to Building Compensation Claims
Police departments have limited time, resources, and budgets. And when it comes to accidents involving motorists, they usually don’t place a high priority on “solving” them—especially when they are caused by simple negligence or violations of traffic laws. That can leave victims feeling like they have no recourse, especially when they know they weren’t at fault but can’t prove it to the insurance company.
At Parrish DeVaughn, our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys know that the burden of proof often falls on victims themselves. But we also know that most victims don’t have the knowledge, experience, time, or even health to investigate their own crashes, collect the necessary paperwork, and present compelling cases to insurance companies in their pursuit of compensation. That’s where we come in.
Types of Evidence We Look for and Utilize in Our Claims
When we build injury claims, we take nothing for granted. We know that insurance companies will reduce or deny settlements at the drop of a hat, and that’s why we build claims which make it clear who was at fault. We utilize evidence such as:
- Eyewitness statements—People who witness crashes can corroborate our clients’ accounts when they say the other driver(s) was at fault.
- Camera footage—Security cameras are becoming ubiquitous in today’s world. Whether they’re attached to vehicle dashboards, mounted to traffic lights, or even installed on local homes and businesses, there’s a good chance many crashes will be recorded on camera—and we can use that footage to prove what actually happened.
- Collision experts—Crash scenes are often quickly cleaned up, and vehicles don’t stay in position long. However, we consult with accident and collision experts who can reconstruct crashes and analyze vehicle damage and debris to determine who was at fault.
Don’t Let an Uncooperative or Dishonest Driver Get Away with Causing the Crash
There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing the driver who caused your crash isn’t going to accept responsibility—especially when they point their finger at you! In many cases, the responding police officers can determine fault, but not always. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced lawyer on your side from day one.
Our legal team is here to protect your rights and ensure you have the best possible chance of getting maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
