At Culpepper Law Group, we know how important it is to clearly prove fault in car and pedestrian accident cases. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, intersection crash, multi-vehicle pileup- the pedestrian was in a crosswalk, on the side of the road, or on a sidewalk- identifying the responsible party is the key to recovering damages. We are a trusted Stafford, TX car accident lawyer and we work tirelessly to build strong claims for injured Texans. We have proudly served the legal needs of injury victims since establishing our firm in 2001. Every case is different, but the tools we use to prove fault often follow a consistent approach.
Reviewing The Police Report
The police report created at the scene of the crash often plays a big role in the claims process. Officers typically include diagrams, notes on who they believe caused the crash, and whether any citations were issued. These details can support your version of events and point to the at-fault driver. While not the final word in court, police reports often influence how insurance companies handle settlement discussions.
Collecting Witness Statements
Witnesses who saw the accident happen can offer important insight. Their unbiased perspective often adds credibility to your claim, especially if there are conflicting accounts between the parties involved. We make it a point to contact witnesses quickly and document their observations, which might include who had the green light, whether a driver was speeding, or how traffic patterns contributed to the impact.
Gathering Physical Evidence
Lawyers use the scene of accidents to look for physical evidence and clues to back up a victim’s side of the story. Skid marks, road debris, and damage to vehicles can all help tell the story of what happened. When possible, we use photos taken at the scene or go back to collect additional evidence ourselves. In more serious cases, we may also work with accident reconstruction professionals who can use physical details to build a clear picture of how the collision occurred.
Obtaining Traffic Or Security Camera Footage
One of the most effective forms of proof is video footage. If a crash took place near a traffic light or business, there’s a chance it was caught on camera. Dashcams and security systems sometimes record accidents without the drivers even realizing it. We work fast to locate and preserve this footage before it gets deleted or overwritten, as most systems only retain data for a short time.
Reviewing Phone And Vehicle Data
In some situations, phone records and vehicle data can help confirm what happened in the moments before the crash. If distracted driving is suspected, we may obtain records showing whether a driver was texting or calling at the time of impact. Similarly, modern vehicles often have built-in systems that log speed, braking, and other actions. This data can support or contradict a driver’s statements, giving us additional facts to work with.
Examining Medical Records
Medical documentation also plays a role in proving fault, particularly when it supports how and when an injury occurred. The type of injury, timing of symptoms, and location of impact can support a claim of who caused the crash. Many accident victims assume that only very serious injuries such as TBIs and spinal cord injuries need to be documented but even if you think your injuries are only minor, it is important to seek medical attention right away because some serious and debilitating symptoms of injuries do not present themselves until days, weeks, or even years after the injury was initially caused. These records help connect your physical condition directly to the accident and support your request for compensation.
Final Thoughts On Proving Fault
Every case requires a different mix of evidence, but the process of proving fault remains a critical part of what we do. At Culpepper Law Group, we focus on gathering clear and convincing proof to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We have proudly served the legal needs of injured Texans since establishing our firm in 2001. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash and need to talk with someone about your legal options, reach out today. We’re ready to help you take the next step forward.
