How to Prove Driver Negligence in a Fort Worth Car Accident?
Fort Worth, with almost 1 million people, ranks as the fifth most populated city in the state of Texas. Fort Worth is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in population. Accidents in these types of high-profile cities are normal. High-profile cities usually have more road traffic.
Fort Worth has seen 14,679 car accidents in 2021. Out of which 119 were fatal crashes. Distracted driving was the most common reason for car accidents in the city. In fact, distracted driving alone accounted for 6,570 car accidents out of the total of 14,679.
You can take some precautionary measures to prevent accidents, but nothing will work 100% of the time. However, you have full control over the aftermath of the accident. The actions you take can help you recover effectively. You can contact a Fort Worth car accident attorney to determine the negligent party, calculate your losses, collect evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and get the compensation you deserve.
How to Prove Negligence in a Car Accident
The plaintiff (the victim) bears the burden of proof. It means they have to submit adequate evidence to support their claim. It is their responsibility. If you have been a victim of a car accident, you need to satisfy the four elements of personal injury law, which are:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
Proving these four elements is the only way to acquire the deserved compensation. Use the following methods to prove these 4 elements of personal injury law.
Police Reports
Police reports are valuable evidence that can help you to a great extent. Police reports contain the time and place of the accident, eyewitness testimonies, photographs of the involved cars, etc. These police reports act as a compilation of other evidence. It is trustworthy since it comes from the officials.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Many people could have witnessed your car accident. They will have a different perspective on what happened. Eyewitnesses have a significant impact on a car accident case. Following a car accident, you need to speak with witnesses and get their contact information. If you don’t do that, you might not have witnesses to testify.
Photographs and Videos
Following the accident, you need to take photos and videos of your injuries and the damage to your car. This is proof that you have sustained damages due to the accident. Take photographs of relevant factors that you think are important, such as skid marks and traffic signs.
Expert Witness
Expert witnesses are a bit different from normal eyewitnesses. They don’t have to witness the accident to testify. They are experts in a certain field and can provide information relevant to that field. For example, private investigators can look at the accident scene and find out who caused it.
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned are all great ways to prove driver negligence. But the best thing you can do following a car accident is to hire a lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to prove negligence. So, hire a lawyer and focus on your recovery.