If you’ve been in an accident driving in Beaufort, South Carolina, you’re wondering who is at fault. South Carolina’s car accident system is based on a fault. A car accident lawyer Beaufort can prove carelessness to obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to.
Gathering the Pieces
The key is proving fault, which can be difficult because there may be conflicting reports about what happened or because there’s little evidence. Here are some critical things that help strengthen your case.
1. Witness Testimony: A First-Hand Account
This is one of the most powerful tools to prove a fault. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable information about:
- Who had the right of way: Did one driver fail to stop?
- Vehicle speeds: Were either driver going too fast?
- Traffic signals: Anyone run a red light or stop sign?
Firsthand accounts can help when building a strong case. Get the names and phone numbers of the witnesses at the scene.
2. Camera Clues: The Unbiased Recorder
Today’s tech-savvy world makes cameras our silent witnesses. A clear and objective picture of the collision can be obtained from a dashcam footage including:
- Driver behavior: Were the drivers both paying attention?
- Traffic violations: Were anyone’s traffic laws broken?
- Accident sequence: How did the crash unfold?
Additional perspectives come from surveillance cameras from businesses or traffic signals. An analysis of such recordings will further give you an idea as to what took place.
3. Police Reports: What the Authorities Say
If a car accident occurs, law enforcement will arrive at the scene and run an accident report. It can be an important piece of evidence in this report. While police may not always assign fault directly in the report, they will note things like:
- The conditions of the road
- The vehicle position
- Witness statements
- Traffic violations observed
4. Accident Reconstruction: When Things Get Complicated
But in some cases, if the accident is severe or involves many vehicles, accident reconstruction is necessary. If there was damage to the cars, skid marks on the road, or the location of the crash, for instance, accident reconstruction experts can take all of that physical evidence from the scene and create a detailed analysis of what happened.
These experts can review the accident in such a manner as to reconstruct what happened and to determine who’s responsible. It can be especially useful if the facts are in disputation or if it’s uncertain whether the other driver was negligent.
5. When the Other Driver Breaks the Rules: Proving Negligence
The idea of safety on the road is what South Carolina traffic laws are for. They could have been responsible if the other driver broke any of these and resulted in the accident. Common traffic violations that can cause accidents include:
- Running lights: Beaufort traffic stops are critical for failing to stop at a red light or stop sign can have serious consequences.
- Speeding: Extreme speed reduces reaction time and increases the crash severity.
- Reckless driving: Tailgating, weeding through traffic, or attempting to beat red lights can and will cause accidents.
If you can prove that the other driver was negligent with your compensation case, it can be strengthened.
6. Your Medical Records: A Record of Your Recovery
You need your records to document who was injured in the accident, what type of injury or injuries you suffered, and the treatment you have received for them. These records can show the accident and your injuries for monetary gain from a claim. Medical records can also be used to calculate the costs of:
- Medical bills: Doctor visits, surgeries, medication, and therapy.
- Lost wages: Time spent working for recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional damage
Get Legal Help
In a Beaufort car accident, it’s vital to prove who’s at fault. A car accident lawyer will be able to help you if you have been in an accident, as you could face the legal process and insurance companies and fight to be able to get your rights. If there is a legal helpdesk nearby, you should not hesitate to use their services.