If a police officer putting together a report related to a recent collision blames a motorist, it could be an expensive situation for that motorist.
Someone who is negligent at the wheel or who violated Ohio state traffic laws will likely be held responsible for any crash that results from their poor decisions. If someone did not directly cause a particular collision, then they will probably hope to hold the other driver involved accountable for the crash. These are a few of the ways that someone can work to prove who was at fault for a recent Ohio collision.
Document everything carefully
One of the first steps people should take after a car crash involves documenting the circumstances. Using a mobile phone to capture video footage and pictures of the scene of the wreck could help clarify what happened. Otherwise, moving the vehicles might alter what seems to have occurred prior to the crash and could complicate the investigation process.
Look for other evidence
There might be traffic cameras nearby that could have captured the collision itself or the moments right before it occurred. Some motorists have dashboard cameras that could help clarify the situation. There could be security cameras at nearby houses or businesses that have footage that could be relevant. Witness statements could help, particularly in scenarios where there is no video record of what occurred.
Communicate carefully with police officers
Most people don’t want to place blame on others after a crash. However, if someone doesn’t clearly explain their concerns to a police officer, the officer may reach the wrong conclusion while investigating. If someone believes the other driver made a mistake, such as failing to use their turn signal, or if they think that someone was under the influence or distracted at the time of a crash, they should share those details with the police officer. If they don’t let someone know about their concerns, the officer may not have all the information that they need to reach an accurate conclusion about who is at fault for the crash.
In scenarios where another driver misrepresents the situation or a police officer reaches the wrong conclusion, it may be necessary to seek legal guidance to prove what actually occurred. Establishing fault can be an important step if someone intends to file an insurance claim or needs to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit after an Ohio wreck.