Legal Options if Wrongly Blamed for an Accident

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful enough, but being wrongly blamed for a crash you didn’t cause can be overwhelming. If this happens, you do have legal options. 

To dispute fault in a car accident, you can present evidence such as photos, witness statements, and the police report, challenge the insurance company’s findings, and seek legal representation to advocate for you. An experienced attorney can help gather critical proof, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and take your case to court if necessary.

If you’re facing an unfair fault determination, working with a Phoenix accident and injury law firm like Gage Mathers can make all the difference. Insurance companies are quick to assign blame in ways that benefit them, but with the right legal strategy, you can fight back and protect your rights.

Gather Your Proof

When you’re wrongly blamed for an accident, having strong evidence is crucial to proving your innocence. Ideally, many of these steps should be taken immediately after the crash. Here’s what you need to do:

• Take clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
• Gather witness statements from bystanders who saw the crash unfold.
• Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Write down your own account of what happened while details are fresh.
• Seek medical attention to document any injuries.
• Get a copy of the police report and review it for inaccuracies.

The role of witness statements in determining fault is especially important. An unbiased third-party account can provide crucial insight into how the accident occurred, making it harder for the other driver’s insurance company to pin the blame on you. If there are inconsistencies in the at-fault driver’s story, witness testimony can help expose them.

If the other driver is uninsured, the situation can become even more complicated. Understanding the legal steps after an accident with an uninsured driver is critical to ensuring you still receive compensation for your damages. An attorney can help explore options like uninsured motorist coverage or filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Can You Dispute an Insurance Company’s Findings?

If an insurance company determines that you were at fault, you don’t have to accept it without a fight. You have the right to dispute their findings, but time is of the essence. As soon as you receive notice of the fault determination, follow these steps:

1. Contact the insurance company: Inform them that you disagree with their decision and request a formal review.
2. Submit additional evidence: Provide any new proof that supports your claim, such as surveillance footage, expert analysis, or statements from new witnesses.
3. Request an independent arbitration: If the insurance company refuses to reconsider, you may be able to take your case to arbitration or mediation.

Insurance companies are not on your side, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. That’s why working with a Phoenix accident and injury law firm is often the best way to challenge a wrongful fault determination and ensure your case is handled fairly.

Why Hire an Attorney?

Navigating the legal system on your own, especially when you’re fighting an unjust claim, can be daunting. A skilled attorney can:

• Protect your rights and handle communication with insurance companies
• Gather the strongest possible evidence to support your case
• Challenge incorrect police reports or unfair insurance determinations
• Represent you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary

At Gage Mathers, we’re committed to fighting for those who have been wrongly accused in car accidents. Our team understands the tactics insurance companies use to shift blame, and we’re here to ensure you don’t get stuck with the consequences of someone else’s mistake. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on moving forward.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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