
Even the safest drivers can get into a car accident that is not their fault. Another motorist's careless actions could leave you with car accident injuries, vehicle damage, and endless hassles. Knowing what steps to take right after the crash can protect your rights and boost your chances of recovering compensation.
By acting carefully and gathering the right evidence, you can identify who caused the incident and hold them responsible. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when you do nothing wrong, yet you still suffer from medical expenses or lost wages.
A trained car accident lawyer can guide you through the insurance claims process, talk to the at-fault driver's insurance, and negotiate fair settlement terms. You could lose your deserved payment if you wait too long or make mistakes. Vaziri Law offers a step-by-step guide on what to do when you are not at fault in a collision.
Table Of Contents
- How Is Fault Defined After a Car Accident?
- Call the Police and File a Report
- Gather Evidence From the Scene
- Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
- Filing an Insurance Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
- Obstacles You Must Overcome To Secure Fair Compensation
- How an Attorney Can Help in No-Fault Accidents
- How Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Fights For You
- Contact Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
How Is Fault Defined After a Car Accident?
Fault in a car accident depends on which driver behaved negligently and caused the crash. Police, insurers, and courts often examine traffic laws, witness accounts, and physical clues to identify who broke the rules.
If a person acted in a way that a reasonable driver would not, they may be found at fault. Proving fault requires detailed evidence, from photos of the accident scene to statements from bystanders who saw how the vehicles collided.
If multiple drivers share blame, you might need to sort out each person's percentage of liability. California follows comparative negligence rules, so you should not have to pay for someone else's carelessness if you hold zero responsibility.
On the other hand, if someone tries to pin the blame on you, having strong proof can safeguard your claim. Gathering concrete details and an official police report can clarify who caused the wreck.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You If Fault Is Disputed
When the other driver's insurance company denies wrongdoing or tries to shift responsibility, a personal injury attorney protects your rights. Our legal team examines the aspects of the crash to determine who caused it. We also fight back if an insurance company unfairly accuses you of careless driving.
Solid evidence, like photos and witness statements, can counter attempts to blame you for a wreck you did not cause. If your injuries are severe, the stakes grow higher, and the insurer may push harder to minimize what they must pay.
We know their tactics and how to negotiate or take legal action when needed. By preparing a strong argument and refusing to accept low offers, we work toward getting you fair compensation.
Call the Police and File a Report

Call law enforcement right after the collision, especially if injuries or significant property damage occur. An official police report documents what happened and often includes an officer's opinion on who may be at fault. This report helps strengthen your insurance claim and can serve as a key piece of evidence later on. Be honest and consistent when giving your statement.
Gather Evidence From the Scene
If it is safe, take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage and skid marks. Get contact information from witnesses who saw the collision.
Gather details like weather conditions or anything unusual about the roadway. This evidence can help show the driver's insurance company that you did not cause the crash.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine

Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately, so seeing a doctor prevents hidden problems from worsening. An official medical evaluation links any pain or discomfort to the car accident. Keep records of all medical treatment, from emergency room visits to follow-up appointments. These documents prove your injuries from the wreck and help you recover any related expenses.
Filing an Insurance Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
When you know who caused the collision, you can file an insurance claim through their auto insurance policy. You must usually prove the crash was their fault, so gather all relevant evidence.
Then, you negotiate with the at-fault driver's insurer, aiming for a settlement that covers your medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses.
Contacting the At-Fault Driver's Insurance Company
First, notify the insurer that their client caused an accident that harmed you. Provide basic facts, but avoid saying too much until you have discussed the situation with your car accident attorney. They might ask for a recorded statement, and you should be cautious about agreeing to this on your own.
A professional lawyer can help ensure you do not say anything the insurance company could twist against you.
Submitting Evidence to Support Your Claim
Compile documents such as the police report, photos, medical expenses, and repair estimates. Share them with the at-fault driver's insurer so they see the full extent of your damages. The more detailed your proof, the stronger your position in negotiations.
If something is missing, the company might challenge your claim or offer less money than you need.
Negotiating for a Fair Settlement
Insurers often start with low offers in hopes you will accept quickly. Before deciding, consider the long-term impact of your injuries, future bills, and lost income.
If they resist increasing the offer, your car accident lawyer can argue, presenting evidence that you deserve more. Patience usually leads to better outcomes than rushing to accept a small payout.
Let a Lawyer Help You Pursue Compensation
If talks break down or the insurance company denies fault, you may file a personal injury claim in court. A lawyer can gather evidence, question witnesses, and present your case effectively.
They help you build a strong argument showing the other driver's negligence caused your losses. When negotiations are unsuccessful, having legal counsel can force insurers to take you more seriously.
Obstacles You Must Overcome To Secure Fair Compensation

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Questioning liability. The at-fault driver may deny wrongdoing. You must prove they acted carelessly or broke traffic rules.
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Insufficient evidence. Without photos, witness statements, or a thorough police report, the insurer can challenge your story. Strong documentation prevents disputes.
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Insurance lowball offers. The other driver's insurance company may undervalue your case. Negotiating properly or hiring an attorney can improve the outcome.
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Delayed medical treatment. Waiting to see a doctor creates gaps in your records. This gives insurers a reason to argue your injuries are unrelated or minor.
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Complex policy details. Auto insurance can be confusing, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. Professional help clears up coverage limits and exclusions.
How an Attorney Can Help in No-Fault Accidents
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Case evaluation. A lawyer looks over your evidence to decide how strong your case is. This review sets the stage for further actions.
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Evidence collection. Gathering witness statements, accident scene photos, and official records can be complicated. Attorneys handle these tasks, saving you time.
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Legal strategy. Each case is unique. A lawyer develops a plan that addresses your specific needs and obstacles.
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Negotiation skills. Insurers often try to pay the least amount possible. A personal injury attorney can counter lowball offers and push for more.
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Handling paperwork. Filing a third-party insurance claim involves many forms and deadlines. Having legal guidance prevents missed details.
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Litigation options. Your attorney may file a personal injury claim if a fair deal cannot be reached. They protect your interests in court if necessary.
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Stress reduction. By managing phone calls and legal complexities, attorneys allow you to focus on healing and returning to your life.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue After a Car Crash That Is Not Your Fault
Using our California car accident settlement calculator helps you ensure no source of compensation is overlooked. A few examples include:
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Medical expenses. You can recover costs for ER visits, prescriptions, and rehabilitation. Future treatments related to the crash may also be compensated.
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Lost wages. Time off work due to injury can strain your finances. Insurance or a lawsuit could help cover the income you miss while recovering.
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Vehicle repairs. You should not pay for damage caused by another person's negligence. Document all repair quotes and other related costs.
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Pain and suffering. Physical and emotional distress often follows an accident. Courts allow compensation for these intangible harms.
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Other losses. You might sometimes seek damages for childcare, house cleaning, or other necessary services during recovery.
How Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Fights For You

Our Los Angeles car accident lawyer puts your needs first by:
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Thorough investigation. We examine every detail of your crash, from the driver's insurance company to the accident scene. This reveals who is truly at fault.
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Clear communication. We keep you informed at every step. You will always know how your case is progressing.
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Negotiating with insurers. Our auto accident attorneys do not accept low offers. We push for a settlement that fully covers your losses.
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Preparing for court. We are ready to litigate if the insurance provider refuses to be fair. Presenting strong evidence in court can secure better results.
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Comprehensive support. Handling a claim can be stressful, so we guide you. From paperwork to investigating the vehicles involved, we handle every issue for you.
Contact Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you are injured in an auto accident that was not your fault, you deserve dependable support and guidance. Vaziri Law has the knowledge and experience to seek fair compensation for injuries and financial losses.
We investigate thoroughly, manage the paperwork, and stand up to the at-fault driver's insurer on your behalf. Please read our client reviews and previous case results as well. Call now for a free consultation, and let us maximize the value of your car accident claim.
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