How Does An Auto Insurance Agency Determine Fault?

When it comes to an auto accident, it may not always be clear exactly who was at fault. One party may have one version of the story, where another party has a completely different perspective. What's unfortunate is that the details of each person's story can easily obscure the truth.

Let’s look at who determines fault when it comes to your car insurance, and what you can do to make the process easier to handle. Auto Insurance

The Story Matters 

It's a little difficult to accept for many people that your carrier is less interested in who's at fault than you are. An accident is so personal and memorable for most people that they can easily make it a much larger affair than it needs to be. This is understandable, but it’s also important to keep in mind when you're reporting your claim. An auto insurance agency is looking for a clear narrative that proves who did what as opposed to an opinion-filled story without a lot of verifiable facts.

State Laws 

After your insurance agency has heard the story and noted the damages, they'll look at the state moving code to determine who was at fault. In some cases, you're subject to comparative negligence — or the idea that both parties were at fault to some degree. So even if you're determined to be 1% at fault, this could potentially affect your total settlement. In some states, there are no-fault rules, meaning that each party is responsible for their damages.

Eyewitnesses 

There are a lot of reasons for people to either adjust the truth of an accident or to lie outright. This is why auto insurance agencies look for as many facts as possible. If you have any eyewitnesses who can give a statement in your favor, it can significantly help your carrier determine exactly who was at fault.

There are certain cases where the dents of your car will give away the story, and others where eyewitnesses will be relied upon to corroborate the story. If you're anxious about whether the claim will turn out in your favor, it may help to look up the state moving code and fault laws to give you a better idea as to how these matters are settled by your car insurance.