Can Vehicle Damage Prove Fault after a Car Accident? 

Colorado is a fault state, meaning you must prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the car accident to recover financial compensation. Therefore, proving how the other party is liable for causing the collision is critical in Colorado’s injury claims. 

Proving fault might be difficult, but it may be proven through vehicle damage. Hiring a car accident attorney may be beneficial when navigating the complexity of an injury lawsuit. 

Using Vehicle Damage to Prove Fault in a Colorado Car Accident 

The location, type, and severity of damage to a vehicle may indicate how a car crash happened. For example, damage to the back end of your vehicle and the front end to the other vehicle generally indicates a rear-end collision. This evidence may suggest that the driver was at fault for the accident because they ran into the back of your car. Photographing vehicle damage at the accident scene could be beneficial to your case. 

A Colorado car accident attorney can try to work back and figure out how the collision occurred by examining vehicle damage and accident location photographs. Specifically, vehicles traveling in a particular direction at a certain speed should sustain specific damages, which we can then use to determine how the crash unfolded. 

Damage Is Not Enough to Prove Liability in Car Accidents 

Remember, different types of accidents will leave damage to different locations on your vehicle, and the damage location will not be enough to prove liability. For example, it may be challenging to prove guilt in T-bone collisions solely on car damage. In these accidents, one vehicle will have side damage, while the other vehicle has front-end damage. In these accidents, fault depends on which driver had the right of way. 

Looking at the damage to your vehicle is just one piece of the puzzle. Your car accident attorney will need to thoroughly assess other information to determine which driver’s negligent or reckless actions caused the crash. Other ways to prove liability include: 

• Witness testimony: Witnesses provide crucial evidence in a car accident case. They can include passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians who saw the crash. Another driver may have seen a vehicle tailgating you before a rear-end collision. Conversely, a pedestrian may have witnessed a vehicle run a stop sign and hit you. 
• Road debris: Road debris scattered across the road may contain clues as to who is at fault for the crash. Skid marks are also critical information an attorney may use. It is essential to photograph everything at the accident scene before road crews clean up. 
• Medical records: Medical records may also help prove culpability in car crashes. You might suffer from whiplash in a rear-end collision or break your right arm if another vehicle hits the right side of your car. 
• Video footage: There might be video footage of the accident occurring, either from surveillance cameras or from witnesses. Witnesses may inform you of their recordings at the accident scene, but you will likely need an attorney to access security footage. 

Ultimately, every car accident case is unique. That is why meeting with an experienced Colorado auto accident attorney is a good idea. They can review and collect evidence, obtain copies of crash and police reports, and even collaborate with reconstruction specialists to prove the other driver was liable for the crash. 

Bring Your Car Accident Case to the Mintz Law Firm 

If you were recently in a car accident in Colorado, contact the Mintz Law Firm. Our trusted attorneys have the knowledge and experience to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We have the compassion to empathize with those suffering from another person’s negligent actions and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. 

With over 150 years of combined experience, the attorneys at the Mintz Law Firm understand the complexities of car accident cases in Colorado, and we will help you achieve the best results possible for your specific situation. To schedule a free consultation, call (303) 462-2999 or complete our contact form today.