When in an accident it can get really difficult to tell which vehicle was at fault for the collision that occurred. In case there are two or more vehicles involved determining who is responsible for the accidents gets extremely important as the other party is then liable to pay compensation. There could be a situation where there is more than one party that shares fault.
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident then you will need to know who hit who. The other party involved in the accident could be negligent and thus legally responsible for the injuries caused to you. Every car accident is different and complex. There could be some underlying causes for the accident which could need investigation. In many cases it has also been seen that the car first hits a stationary object which then causes a chain reaction of collisions. Also in case of a traffic jam, several cars might collide with each other, in such a situation figuring out who hit who can get tricky.
So how do you find out?
Fortunately, in case of confusion, there are several ways to find out who is responsible for the accident. Here are some of those:-
- Testimony of Eyewitnesses
Those who saw and were present near the scene of the accident are called eyewitnesses. The potential eyewitnesses could include bystanders, passengers, pedestrians, or even other drivers on the road. An eyewitness’s account is very valuable in piecing together who-hit-who in a car accident. It is essential that you and your lawyer talk to the witnesses as soon as possible because then for them to recollect what happened can be easy, as memories can fade.
- Footage from Surveillance Cameras
In several public places, especially at certain traffic intersections surveillance cameras have been installed. These cameras record each and every moment that occurs on the road. It is not in your control that whether the place where the collision of your car occurred was covered by a surveillance camera or not, but you should always check if a camera was able to capture it. If there was a camera that captured the collision then there is no better evidence of who-hit-who than the video of the mishap itself.
- Report of the Police
After every accident the police conduct a preliminary investigation of the possible causes of the accident. They examine the vehicles that were involved in the accident and also look for clues on the road. Seeing the damage, point of angle, the location where the vehicles ended up after the collision and the road condition all can help police to come to a rough conclusion as to who was responsible for the accident. By examining the cars and the drivers the police can also determine whether the drivers involved in the accident were intoxicated or broke any laws, etc.
- Your Injuries
Soon after the collision, the drivers should get their injuries recorded by medical personnel. Your injuries could also be recorded and can be used as evidence later when you put in a claim for compensation. If there is a dispute in the who-hit-who case then the doctor’s testimony also holds quite a lot of importance as it can help determine the truth.
How can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Who-hit-who is the first and the most crucial question that is asked after a car collision/accident. This question must be answered as it will help decide the responsible party for the collision. Contact a Personal Injury lawyer such as the Siler & Ingber team of attorneys who are the best in New York to help you with any complications in your legal fight for compensation. They will make sure you don’t end up jeopardizing your legal rights. To prove your claim against the other driver, get in touch with the Siler & Ingber team of lawyers.