Proving Fault After a Car Accident Without Dashcam Evidence

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone crashes into your car, but your dashcam didn't capture it? You have photos of the damage, but how do you prove it was their fault? This article will provide you with guidance on what steps to take to establish liability in such cases.

Key Information Needed to Prove Fault

Several factors can influence the process of proving fault in a car accident, especially when your dashcam didn't capture the incident. Here are some critical details to consider:

License plate number and description of the other car Car model and year Whether the other driver was driving a stolen vehicle Whether you were in the car or if it was parked Whether you exchanged information with the other driver Whether the police were called to the scene

If you can provide at least some of this information, it can significantly help in proving fault. For instance, if you see the license plate number or have a description of the car, you can alert the police, who can check for any matching reports.

Utilizing CCTV and Additional Evidence

If you have the necessary information, such as the car's license plate number, you can make use of nearby footage from CCTV cameras. These recordings can provide crucial evidence that can substantiate your claim. In some cases, the CCTV footage might show the incident or can help identify the other car when combined with the description of the vehicle.

Additionally, you can look for physical evidence such as paint transfers. Sometimes, paint particles can transfer when two cars collide, and these can be crucial indicators of the accident. While this method may not always provide definitive proof, it can be a useful adjunct to other forms of evidence.

What to Do If You Have No Proof?

Unfortunately, if you have no substantial proof and the other driver leaves the scene (hit and run), your only recourse might be to file a not-at-fault collision claim with your insurer. However, this does not mean you should ignore the situation. It is still advisable to gather as much evidence as possible and report the incident to the police.

A Real-Life Example

Consider the following example: A few days ago, someone crashed into my SUV, but my dashcam didn't record the incident. My car suffered minor damage, and the other driver tried to flee. However, another vehicle had a crashed bumper, providing visual evidence that matched the damage to my car.

Since the police were already dealing with another crash, the description of the car, the stolen license plate, and the damage on the other car were enough evidence for them to identify and charge the responsible party with hit and run. This situation highlights the importance of gathering as much evidence as possible and seeking help from law enforcement.

Conclusion

Proving fault in a car accident can be challenging, especially when dashcam evidence is lacking. However, by collecting relevant details such as the other driver's information, utilizing CCTV footage, and seeking police assistance, you can enhance your chances of successfully establishing liability. Always ensure to follow local guidelines and report all incidents to the relevant authorities to protect your rights and safety.