Fault matters in a Colorado car accident. In Colorado, the party at fault for a car accident is typically liable for accident-related injuries and damages. This makes evidence collection a vital part of every car accident case.
There are several different types of evidence an accident victim and their attorney can gather from a crash to prove fault. Among these are:
- A police report;
- Eyewitness statements;
- Photos of the accident scene;
- Photos of injuries;
- Medical records;
- Traffic camera footage; and
- Vehicle damage.
The following article focuses on the role vehicle damage plays when determining fault in a Colorado car accident. For specific information or a case review, contact an experienced Denver car accident attorney in your area.
The Point and Direction of Impact
Accident investigators examine multiple areas of crash evidence to determine fault in a car accident. Two of these are the point and direction of impact between the vehicles.
The point of impact is the location where two vehicles collide. The point of impact can establish how an accident occurred and which vehicle hit the other. The point of impact may show one vehicle rear-ended the other and is responsible for the accident.
The direction of impact may show the direction the vehicles were traveling at the time of the wreck. This may reveal one vehicle entered the other vehicle’s lane or broadsided the other vehicle which had the right-of-way.
The Severity of the Damage
The severity of the damage may be important in determining fault in a car accident; however, damage alone may not be relied on solely in an accident claim.
Vehicles are affected differently by car accidents. For example, a truck or SUV may suffer less damage than a passenger car due to its height off the ground.
A car that is broadsided or in a T-bone collision may incur far more damage than the other vehicle even though the other vehicle is most likely at fault for the crash.
How to Protect Yourself Following a Car Accident
One of the best ways to protect yourself from having to accept responsibility for a car accident that was not your fault is to take photos of the accident scene. When taking photos, be sure to include:
- Skid marks;
- Debris;
- The direction the vehicles are facing;
- Damage to both vehicles;
- Traffic lights and signals; and
- The location of any traffic cameras.
If you are unable to safely take these photos, ask a friend or witness to do so on your behalf. Always call for emergency assistance and find out when and where you can pick up a copy of the police accident report.
Contact an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney Today
Physical evidence disappears with time. It is imperative you speak with an experienced Denver personal injury attorney to start your car accident claim right away.
Dulin McQuinn Young has decades of experience serving the injured across Colorado. We are an award-winning firm with the resources and knowledge to build the strongest possible case for your car accident injuries.
Contact Dulin McQuinn Young in Denver now to schedule your no-obligation consultation. We want to answer your car accident questions and address your concerns about the injury claims process!