When someone gets into a car accident, the last thing they’re going to do is stand up and announce that the crash was their fault. Even if the accident was their fault, the other driver isn’t going to admit it. Admitting blame in a car accident is the last thing anyone should do immediately following the crash. Both drivers are going to point the finger at the other driver. They’ll insist that they were totally innocent. But a car accident crash attorney in Indianapolis knows that very rarely is one driver 100% responsible for a car accident.
This is why it’s important that you call the police immediately after the car accident. They’ll come out and make sure everyone is okay. They’ll call to arrange for an ambulance transport the victims to the hospital. They’ll also conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene.
The goal of the police investigation is to find out what happened. Their goal isn’t to say who should be entitled to damages. But that doesn’t mean their police report won’t help determine fault. In fact, without the police report, it may be impossible for your Indiana car crash attorney to prove that the accident wasn’t your fault. This can be very frustrating, especially when the defendant insists the crash was your fault.
Both Drivers Will Have to Give a Statement to the Police
When the police come to the accident scene, they’re going to do a thorough investigation. They’re going to look at the following things:
- The road conditions
- The positioning of the cars
- Any tire tracks, skid marks or other clues
- Any pictures or videos taken by witnesses or stationary cameras
- Any inclement weather
- The damage to the vehicles
- Whether the drivers have valid driver’s licenses, registration and insurance
- If anyone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- They’ll get statements and contact information for the drivers, passengers and witnesses
You will be asked to give the cops a statement. Be honest. No good will come from lying about what happened. However, don’t offer any additional information that could hurt your case. Answer their questions, but that’s it. Also make sure you ask for a copy of the police report. Once it’s completed, they can send one to your or your car accident lawyer in Indianapolis.
Don’t Make a Statement to the Insurance Company Until You Talk to Your Indianapolis Car Crash Attorney
The police aren’t the only ones that will ask you for a statement. Within a few hours (or a day) after the crash, you’re going to get a phone call from both insurance companies. Since they have no idea who will be held liable for the crash, both your insurance company and that of the other driver will have to be prepared.
When they call, they’ll ask you to make a statement about what happened. Don’t do that. They record this statement and will use it against you later on if they can. Tell them to call and speak with you while you’re at your Indianapolis car accident lawyer’s office. This way, your lawyer can make sure you aren’t taken advantage of. They’ll also make sure the insurance adjuster doesn’t mislead you in any way or try to twist your words.
If You Go to Trial, Your Lawyer Will Submit Evidence to Prove the Defendant Caused the Crash
Almost all car accident cases in Indiana settle long before trial. But, there is a slim chance that yours won’t. If this is the case, you’ll have to go to trial. This is where your Indiana car accident attorney will have to prove the other driver was at fault.
The other driver will, more than likely, lie about what happened. They’re not going to want to be held responsible. Even if the insurance company pays your damages, they don’t want their premiums to go up. Your lawyer will refer back to the police report to prove that they aren’t telling the truth. They can also rely on the testimony of expert witnesses.
Contact an Experienced Car Crash Attorney in Indianapolis Right Away
If someone loses control of their car and crashes into you, then you probably need to hire an experienced car accident attorney in Indiana. They can help prove the other driver was at fault. They can also help you prove your damages.
