Evidence Police Use to Determine Fault in Tennessee Car Accidents
If you have been in a car accident in Tennessee, you most likely had to contact a police officer to come to the scene and complete a crash report. This report will contain pertinent information related to the accident, including the date/time/location of the event, road conditions, weather conditions, names of any individuals who saw the incident, and who the officer believes is at fault. The crash report is required by most insurance companies when submitting a claim and is relied on heavily to determine liability in a wreck.
At Raybin & Weissman, our team of personal injury lawyers knows that you may feel perplexed following a crash. If an officer considers you to be at fault, you may have no idea how they drew this conclusion. In this blog, our car accident attorneys discuss the types of evidence that police officers rely on in determining fault and how a personal injury attorney can assist you in filing a claim.
Driver and Passenger Statements
The first order of business that an officer tends to when arriving at the scene of a car accident is taking down the names and information of all drivers and passengers involved. In addition to obtaining each person’s name, address, and phone number, a police officer will generally ask each driver and passenger for a brief statement.
In the statement, the officer will ask each party to provide their perspective on how the accident occurred and the injuries they sustained. Although these statements are considered biased, they can provide crucial information to help the officer conduct their investigation.
Physical Evidence
When a police officer arrives on the scene, they will likely examine both vehicles for damage. Part of the officer’s investigation will include analyzing skid marks, road surface conditions, and vehicle debris. Skid marks can reveal the speed of each vehicle and indicate whether a driver was accelerating, braking, or changing direction. Road surface conditions may also be included in the report, especially if the officer believes that inclement weather, construction, or other adverse conditions contributed to the crash.
If there is any debris, including broken glass, shredded tires, or vehicle parts, this evidence may be collected and preserved for an accident reconstructionist to evaluate. An accident reconstructionist is a forensic scientist who specializes in recreating accidents from beginning to end. An accident reconstructionist can be an invaluable asset, filling in any information gaps.
Eyewitness Testimony
Any bystanders or witnesses who saw the accident occur may be interviewed by the police officer. Unlike any driver or passenger, an eyewitness can provide an impartial account of an accident, describing what they saw, felt, and heard in the moments leading up to the crash and immediately afterward. Witness statements are often included in the official police report, providing an individual perspective of what took place.
Filing an Insurance Claim in Nashville, TN
The police conduct a summary investigation into an accident, collecting only a portion of the available evidence. While the police report is the starting point, it is not the only means by which an insurance adjuster arrives at a settlement amount. When you work with our Nashville car accident lawyers, we will ensure a thorough investigation into your case.
If there are any discrepancies between eyewitness statements or evidence, we will not make any assumptions but will instead rely on forensic experts to make an informed assessment. Presenting this evidence to insurance companies clearly and concisely is what sets the legal team at Raybin & Weissman apart from the rest.
Speak with Our Nashville Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been involved in a collision in Nashville or the surrounding cities, you need competent representation to defend your rights. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville car accident attorneys are committed to helping personal injury victims recoup damages while keeping you informed every step of the way. With over 100 years of combined trial experience, our legal team is ready to put its expertise to work for you. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call (615) 256-6666 at your earliest convenience.