How To Dispute Accident On Your Driving Record

cartwrightlaw - June 25, 2024 -

blamed for car accident that wasn't my fault

If you have been involved in an accident that you believe was not your fault, it’s essential to take steps to prevent it from being recorded on your driving record.

An accident on your record can have significant consequences, including increased insurance premiums and potential implications for future employment or legal matters.

If you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault and want to dispute it on your driving record, seek the help of a San Francisco accident lawyer. They have the experience needed to challenge liability for your accident and protect your rights.

First thing first, what is a Driving Record?

A driving record, also known as a motor vehicle record (MVR), is an official document that details your driving history, including any traffic violations, accidents, suspensions, or revocations.

This record is maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent state agency and is used by insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement agencies to evaluate your driving behavior and risk profile.

How Does Your Driving Record Affect Your Quotes?

Your driving record is one of the primary factors that insurance companies consider when calculating your insurance rates.

A clean record with no accidents or violations typically results in lower premiums, while a record with multiple incidents can lead to significantly higher rates or even policy cancellation.

Insurance companies view accidents on your record as an indication of increased risk, even if you were not at fault. As a result, they may raise your rates to compensate for the perceived higher likelihood of future claims.

Dispute Fault for an Accident so It Does Not Go On Your Record

If you have been involved in a car accident that you believe was not your fault, it’s crucial to take immediate action to dispute the fault determination and prevent the accident from being recorded on your driving record.

Here are the steps you can take:

Gather evidence: Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, any visible damages, and any road conditions that might have contributed to the accident. Obtain witness statements from anyone who saw the accident happen, and collect any other relevant information that supports your claim of non-fault, such as dashcam footage or traffic camera recordings.
File a police report: Ensure that a detailed police report is filed. Make sure it accurately depicts the circumstances of the accident and includes your version of events. This report will be a crucial piece of evidence in disputing fault.
Notify your insurance company: Promptly notify your insurance company of the accident. Provide them with all the evidence you have gathered and your account of what happened. This helps them start their own investigation as soon as possible.
Request a fault determination: Ask your insurance company to conduct a thorough investigation and make a determination of fault based on the available evidence. Make sure to follow up regularly to stay informed about the progress of their investigation.
Appeal the decision: If the initial determination assigns fault to you, don’t give up. Appeal the decision by providing additional evidence and requesting a review by a claims supervisor or adjuster. Be persistent and clear about why you believe the fault determination is incorrect.
Seek legal assistance: If your insurance company remains unwilling to change the fault determination, consider seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney. A lawyer specializing in accident disputes can help you navigate the process, negotiate with your insurance company, and potentially take further action if necessary.

Insurance companies have their own processes and procedures for determining fault, which can sometimes be subjective or influenced by various factors.

By being proactive, gathering comprehensive evidence, and persistently disputing the fault determination, you increase your chances of preventing the accident from being recorded on your driving record.

Get Help From a San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer

Our experienced team of attorneys at The Cartwright Law Firm helps clients navigate the complex process of disputing fault determinations and protecting their driving records.

We understand the significant impact an accident on your record can have on your insurance rates, employment prospects, and overall legal standing. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized guidance and aggressive representation to ensure your rights are protected.

So, contact us today by calling (415) 851-6486 or online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys will review the details of your case, evaluate the available evidence, and develop a strategic plan to dispute the fault determination and prevent the accident from being recorded on your driving record.