Whenever an automobile is involved in an accident, the people involved are sure to become emotional. If the accident involves injuries or significant damages, then those emotions might be very high. Unfortunately, the right time to gather information for Pflugerville insurance agents is within those first emotion-laden moments. A lot of facts and proof will need to be gathered in order to determine who is liable. If you are able to gather our wits, any information you can gather now may help you to help your insurance provider get your reimbursement on its way.

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Establishing Fault Versus Liability

Even if it seems obvious who was at fault in an accident, proving liability to the insurance companies can be difficult. To efficiently work with your insurer, you’ll need to prepare a strong argument to support your version of the circumstances. There are some valuable types of information to gather and share with your agent to improve the amount and speed of compensation you receive.

Ask for Copies of Police Reports

If the police come to the scene of the accident, an officer is likely to make a report. Ask the officer if you can get a copy of that report after it has been filed. If an officer doesn’t arrive, you and the other parties to the accident may have to report to the nearest police station. You can also get copies of those documents for your Pflugerville insurance provider. These reports often provide evidence regarding:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• The presence of drugs or alcohol
• The use of a cellphone
• Inattentiveness

With these reports, you are more likely to get an accident liability report within less time.

Gather Facts While They Are Fresh

There are many details regarding the accident that might seem startlingly clear in the moment, but when your adrenalin drops, you may just want to forget about the whole thing. While you are at the scene and everything is fresh in your mind, take note of some important details:

• The other driver’s license plate number
• Contact information of everyone involved and witnesses
• The date and time of the accident
• Location information, such as the street name
• A description of damages done to any of the vehicles

The Pflugerville insurance company might also appreciate any pictures that you are able to take or details such as what the weather was like or the order of events leading up to the accident.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Traffic Laws

Brush up on your knowledge of local traffic laws. If you can provide any evidence to show that the other driver was violating local vehicle codes, then you and your Pflugerville insurance company will have an easier time negotiating for reimbursement from the other party.

Comparative Negligence and Apportioned Damages

There are some accidents where establishing who is at fault and liable will be easy. This include rear end and left-turn collisions. These cases are almost always settled swiftly. However, other instances take a closer look. For example, when road or traffic conditions are part of the equation or if both drivers were distracted, then principles of comparative negligence may be brought into the situation. When this happens, then your ability to work with the Pflugerville insurance company can improve their ability to apportion fault and determine liability.