Can Fault Be Determined by Auto Accident Damage?

People involved in auto accidents usually have opposing versions of how the crash occurred and which party caused it. It is common for drivers to try and blame the other for the crash, especially when the fault for the accident is not clear. Understanding how fault is determined in auto accidents is a crucial step that can mean the difference between getting maximum financial compensation for your damages and receiving an unfairly low settlement or damages award.

How Auto Accident Damage Can Prove Fault for an Accident

Among the most common ways used to determine fault for auto accidents is to assess the scene of the accident and the impact of the damage on both vehicles. The impact of the crash normally causes a particular type of damage to the vehicles when a vehicle moves at a particular direction and speed.

For example, a rear-end crash is the clearest example of when vehicle damage is indicative of which vehicle caused the crash. Crashing into the rear of a vehicle in front is usually the rear driver’s fault since they failed to leave an adequate stopping distance to prevent a crash.

A driver who ran a red light and struck the side of another car is another common accident in which the fault for the crash can be easily determined. In such cases, the fault is clear by the damage on the front part of the driver who ran the red light and the damage to the other car’s side door.

Likewise, in broadside or T-bone crashes, the damage is usually obvious because the vehicle that got struck will have damage on either the passenger or driver’s side. Also, since the damage is not located on the striking vehicle’s right bumper shows that one driver wasn’t looking or breaking a traffic rule when hitting the other vehicle.

Another example that can indicate fault for a car crash is when one car is traveling forward in a straight path, and another car in front suddenly turns left. Naturally, the car in the rear will try to swerve to prevent a crash, causing damage to the car’s left front portion and indicating that the driver tried to prevent the collision. The other car will then have damage on the right corner.

Auto Accident Vehicle Damage Is Not Usually Enough to Prove Fault

The location of the vehicle damage is just one part of trying to prove fault for a car crash. Other factors include:

• Other physical evidence, such as skid marks on the roadway, paint on both vehicles, damage to structures or road signs, and other objects at the crash site.
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Videos and photos of the crash
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam footage
• Witness testimonies
• Traffic laws that were violated at the time of the crash

Speak to a Skilled Collin County, Texas Auto Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been hurt in an auto accident because of another’s negligent or reckless actions, get in touch with The Law Office Of Joel M. Vecchio, P.C., for legal advice. You can call 972-380-4444 or contact us online to arrange a free case evaluation with our Collin County, Texas, auto accident lawyer.