One of the most frustrating things an injured person can experience after a collision is being blamed for something that was not their fault. Insurance companies know that if they can shift even part of the blame, they can pay less. That is why proving fault is one of the most important parts of every case we take on at Hasty Pope.
Recently, we handled a case where our client was hit head-on by a driver who crossed the center line. The driver denied responsibility. With the right investigation, we uncovered the truth: the driver had been awake all night, worked a 12-hour shift, and fell asleep at the wheel. That crash left our client with more than $800,000 in medical bills.
So how do we prove fault when the other side denies it? Here are five ways.
1. Accident Reconstruction Experts
We often bring in specialists who can recreate the scene of the crash. They use measurements, skid marks, vehicle damage, and advanced software to show exactly what happened. In our recent case, an accident reconstruction expert helped us confirm how the other driver crossed the center line.
2. Vehicle Data and Technology
Modern vehicles hold critical information in their onboard systems. Infotainment systems, event data recorders, and GPS can reveal what the driver was doing before the crash. In our case, the vehicle’s infotainment system showed the driver had been awake all night before falling asleep at the wheel.
3. Witness Testimony
Eyewitnesses can provide powerful evidence. People who saw the collision, or even the driver’s behavior before it, help us build a timeline of what really happened. Their testimony often contradicts the at-fault driver’s story.
4. Medical Evidence
Medical records tell the story of how serious the crash was. They link the injuries directly to the collision and shut down arguments that the harm came from somewhere else. In our case, over $800,000 in medical bills told a clear story of how devastating the crash was for our client.
5. Relentless Investigation
Proving fault requires persistence. Insurance companies want quick answers, but we dig deeper. We investigate the drivers, their schedules, their history, and any other factor that may have contributed to the crash. We do not stop until we uncover the truth.
Final Word
Being blamed for a crash you did not cause can feel like a second injury. At Hasty Pope, we know how to uncover evidence, prove fault, and make sure your story is heard. Our clients deserve justice, and we do not stop until they get it.