Liability Disputes
Liability can be an incredibly important consideration after being in an auto accident, although this will depend largely on the state that you live in. If liability is in dispute after the auto accident, it can be difficult to recover compensation, because both insurance companies will be reluctant to accept responsibility. If you are engaged in a liability dispute, it is essential to work with an expert to help you to obtain the best outcome for your claim. Resolving liability disputes can be crucial in allowing you to get your life back on track after you have been in an auto accident as well as preventing delays in your compensation. At Utah Accident Solutions, we can help you to navigate a liability dispute and obtain the best outcome for your own situation. Here are a few things to remember about liability disputes.
What is Liability?
Liability is generally what determines who was responsible for causing the accident. Liability can be clear sometimes, while difficult to determine at others. For example, a driver that was breaking traffic rules while simultaneously texting while driving is likely to be held liable for the resulting accident. However, there are situations where liability may not be clear, which can lead to disputes regarding which party was at fault for the accident. When liability is being disputed, it essentially means that there isn’t agreement regarding who caused the accident. This can create many complications when it comes to obtaining compensation for the damage from the accident. Working with an expert is often ideal when you are in a situation where liability is in dispute.
At-Fault States Rules
It is also important to pay attention to the kind of state that you are in. In no-fault states, liability disputes generally don’t matter because the process to submit an insurance claim and repair the damage doesn’t depend on liability. However, in at-fault states, it is essential to ensure that liability can be determined, because it will have a huge impact on who is responsible for the damage. In at-fault states, the party that is responsible for causing the accident will also be held liable for the damage created by the accident. For example, the at-fault party will be responsible for all medical expenses, as well as damage to the vehicles or other property. Utah is an at-fault state, so liability disputes will impact the outcome of the auto accident.
Shared Liability
It is possible for liability to be shared across multiple people in unique situations, such as both drivers driving distractedly and causing the accident. If there is shared liability, the percentage of damages will be allocated based on this shared liability. For example, property damage may be divided based on a 60-40 basis or however the liability is distributed. This kind of shared liability often occurs when both drivers were driving negligently. If you think that shared liability was distributed unfairly, this may be another situation in which you will be disputing liability.
Establishing Fault
There are several things that you will want to keep in mind when it comes to establishing fault. Proving fault usually starts at the scene of the accident. Ensure that you take photos of the scene, including important evidence like skid marks or other signs. It is also extremely beneficial to collect any available videos of the accident, such as those taken by traffic cameras. A police report is usually the most important part of establishing fault, because these reports typically include information regarding who was liable for the accident. It is also beneficial to gather eyewitness statements to help you provide who was at fault for the auto accident.
You’ve likely heard that you should never admit fault for an accident, for good reason. Even if you believe you were at fault for the accident, there may be additional factors that won’t be uncovered that would establish that you were not at fault, such as the other driver being intoxicated.
See a Medical Professional
If you have been injured in the accident, it will be extremely important to see a medical professional. This can also help you to document your injuries, which is usually important in obtaining compensation. Collecting any documentation possible will help you to prove liability when necessary, so visiting a medical professional can be extremely beneficial.
An Attorney Helps with Liability
If liability is in dispute, it can be incredibly beneficial to work with an attorney. An attorney can help to build a case to establish that you were not at fault for the accident. This can make it much simpler to obtain compensation for your situation. If you are dealing with a situation where there is a liability dispute, you should consider working with an attorney for the appropriate legal representation. It is also important to remember that an attorney will often have access to more resources than you do that will help them to both determine and prove fault.
You Can Dispute Fault
It is possible to dispute fault if you believe that you have been declared at-fault wrongfully. This can get pretty tricky, however. It is usually necessary to notify the insurance company regarding your intent to dispute fault. A professional can help you to effectively navigate the process of disputing fault to ensure that you are able to obtain the best outcome for your own situation. If you need to dispute fault, it is incredibly important to gather as much information as possible. This is another situation where working with an experienced attorney can be incredibly beneficial.
At Utah Accident Solutions, we can help you to resolve liability disputes and procure the best outcome for your auto accident. Being in an auto accident can result in an array of problems and these problems are just exacerbated if there is a liability dispute. Our experts can help you to navigate the process, especially if you are experiencing a liability dispute. For more information about liability disputes and the importance of working with an expert, contact us at Utah Accident Solutions today!
