When car crash victims file claims against other drivers’ liability insurance policies, they must prove the other driver is at fault for the crash. There are various types of evidence that may be used to establish fault, including statements made by the victim and the at-fault driver. The trouble is that the victim and the other driver may have different versions of what happened.

There are times when accounts of the crash differ because someone is lying, such as the driver who caused your crash. However, there are also times when the at-fault driver is not lying but his or her account of the crash is simply different from yours. Perhaps the other driver had a different view of the crash and there were things he or she could not and did not see.

At times like these, you need an experienced attorney to help you build a strong case. TSR Injury Law’s Minneapolis auto accident lawyers know how to gather evidence to prove a case. We have been helping crash victims since 1998 and we have secured millions on their behalf.

Why Your Account of the Crash May Differ From the Other Driver’s

There are many reasons why your recollection may differ from the other driver. If the other driver is at fault, his or her negligence may have prevented him or her from noticing the same things you did.

For example, if the other driver was drunk or distracted, he or she would not have been fully aware of what was happening. He or she may not have realized there was a red light or stop sign. The other driver may claim you came out of nowhere, even though you had the right of way. The other driver is not necessarily lying, he or she was just not paying attention.

In a multi-car crash, it is difficult for any driver to have a complete picture of what happened. You may remember what happened in the first couple of seconds, but there may be a lot you do not know. When there are multiple impacts, victims are going to focus on their own safety, not what is happening outside their car.

Sometimes drivers do not know the right-of-way laws that govern the situation in which your crash occurred. This can lead them to make statements that are untrue.

For example, many drivers have no idea who has the right of way when there is a flashing red light. Often, one driver will decide to go, and several others will follow. Even though this group of cars is in the intersection, cars from another part of the intersection may move into the intersection. Many of these drivers may not think they are doing anything wrong. If a crash occurs, the drivers involved may have varying accounts of what occurred.

Sometimes drivers’ view gets obstructed by inclement weather or glare from the sun or another car’s headlights. This can prevent a driver from seeing what happened in the moments leading up to a crash.

Telling Your Side of the Story

You may overhear what the other driver tells police when you are at the scene of the crash. You might also get into a conversation with the other driver immediately after the crash, such as when you are exchanging information.

While you may hear things you know to be untrue or statements that leave out important details, there is no need to confront the other driver about it.

Talking to the Police and an Attorney

The most important thing is to tell the police what your version of events were and if there are witnesses make sure their story is also known. Your attorney can later investigate the crash to gather more evidence such as video, audio or unknown witnesses to prove what happened. If the other driver was negligent, a thorough investigation is likely going to uncover evidence that proves it.

If you think the police report has an error, your attorney may be able to help you get it corrected. Your lawyer may be able to just call the police department and quickly get the situation resolved.

If you have an experienced attorney on your side, the other driver is much less likely to get away with lies or misstatements about the crash. Explain what you remember to the police and your attorney and avoid discussing things you are unsure of. If you do not know something, avoid discussing it with the police. You can talk to your attorney about it because these conversations are confidential.

Taking Notes on the Crash

It can be helpful to take a few minutes to write down what you remember about the crash. For example, you could do this after you receive treatment, or even at the scene, depending on the severity of your injuries. Another option is to record a video in which you talk about what happened. When you talk to an attorney, tell him or her what you remember. Make sure not to leave anything out.

Staying Consistent

Consistency in your statements is important because it helps protect your credibility. That is why talking to the insurance company is a bad idea. Conversations with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege. However, anything you say to the insurance company will be used against you to diminish the value of your claim. You may be surprised at how easy it can be to make inconsistent statements to the insurance company.

You do not need to say much at all to the insurance company – attorneys can talk to insurers on your behalf. They can ensure statements about what happened in the crash are consistent. Insurance companies are not going to try to trick attorneys into saying things that call a crash victim’s credibility into question. Experienced attorneys, like those at TSR Injury Law know what insurance companies are up to.

Evidence to Back Up Your Claim

If the other driver is lying or has a different version of events, you will need more evidence to prove your case. Fortunately, there are various types of evidence that may help you build a strong case:

You can find an experienced attorney to represent you. One who knows how to investigate car crashes to decipher what happened. Even though some crashes seem obvious what happened, the insurance company is going to fight hard to find a reason to deny a claim. That is why you need an attorney who knows how to fight for you.

Contact Our Firm For Help Following a Crash

While compensation from an insurance claim cannot erase what happened, it is still important. Compensation allows victims to get medical treatment and cover other damages that resulted from their injuries.

However, you need full compensation. You do not want the insurance company’s first offer, which is often far below the full value of a claim.

That is why you need an attorney from a firm with a proven record, like TSR Injury Law. We have obtained compensation from many insurance companies. We know how to build a strong case and negotiate for maximum compensation.

No upfront fees for our services. Call us today: (612) TSR-TIME.