Being blamed for an accident you did not cause can be a worse situation to be in. If you suffered any damages in the accident, your right to compensation can be affected, especially if your state does not follow the no-fault rule.

To win a negligence claim, you have to exonerate yourself of every liability (or a good quota of it). We’ll be discussing the steps you can take to clear your name after being wrongly accused of causing an accident.

The Steps You Should Take When You’re Being Blamed for An Accident

Here’s what you need to do when you’re being blamed for an accident, both on the scene and after:

Make Sure that Everyone is Safe

The well-being of yourself and others involved in the accident takes precedence over everything else. If there are injuries, call emergency services without delay.

Once they arrive, follow their instructions to get everyone to safety. Also, assess the scene for potential hazards like leaking fluids, disabled vehicles blocking traffic, or fallen debris.

Gather Evidence to Clear Your Name

Nothing works better at clearing your name than solid evidence. You can begin gathering them even before the lawyer or police arrive.

If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Make sure to capture the damage to vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and any other relevant details that might help reconstruct the events.

If there are witnesses to the accident, politely request their contact information. If they can corroborate your version of events, the court will take their word for it, especially if they are credible individuals.

Also, your vehicle’s dashcam should be downloaded and secured as soon as possible. These recordings can provide valuable, unbiased evidence of the accident’s events.

Report to the Police

Even if the accident is a minor one, you have to report it to the police. A police report serves as an official record of the event, documenting the date, time, and location of the accident. It will also include the responding officer’s observations of the scene as well as details provided by all parties involved.

Be sure that your story is consistent. If you give the police a different story from what you eventually tell the judge, it will affect the credibility of your claims.

Contact Your Insurance Immediately

After the accident and after filing a police report, it’s essential to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the other party to contact their insurance company first. The sooner you report the accident, the sooner your insurance company can begin their investigation.

You can play your part by cooperating with your insurance company’s investigation. Provide them with a factual account of the accident and any documentation you have gathered, such as pictures, videos, and the police report.

Also, you must never admit fault or discuss the accident in detail with anyone besides your lawyer and the claims adjuster.

You Will Need A Lawyer

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better equipped they will be to build a strong case for your defense. You need a lawyer, especially if you are facing significant damage or if the other party is taking legal action against you.

Immediately they come on board, your lawyer will assess the evidence you already have, spot loopholes in your story, and solidify it so the prosecuting party doesn’t exploit them.

If the need for negotiations arises, they will represent you against the other party’s insurance company. Even your own insurance company can deny your claim or offer you an unfair settlement.

Your lawyer, who has your best interest at heart, will step up to counter this offer and protect your rights from being exploited.

Sometimes, going to court might be your best option. Your lawyer will boldly go to court, present your case to the judge and jury, and also fight to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.