How long does it take to determine who is at fault?

Answer 1

It is difficult to determine liability in parking lot accidents. There are often no clear lanes of travel, traffic controls or a clear right of way - all the things you have on streets and highways that determine liability. Unless there were an independent witness to the accident (meaning someone neither you nor the other person know), it usually comes down to one person's word against the other. Insurance companies will take the word of their own insured over the word of the other party. There would have to be strong evidence to the contrary to do otherwise.

How long does it take to make the determination? The short answer is as long as it takes. The better answer is that the adjuster should speak with all parties, including and independent witnesses, an investigating officer if any law enforcement responded, and then make the call. There is no need to spend further time on such a claim, and no need to keep an insured waiting on edge.

Fact: In most accidents where there were injuries involved, the local police will usually be dispatched to take a vehicle accident report. If the accident was clearly not your fault, the police will substantiate this in the report. In some cases the other driver will also intend on collecting from the accident for injuries, and you know what I mean. If the accident was clearly not your fault, don�t panic simply because the other driver is complaining of pain or injury. In short, due him or her a favor, ultimately doing yourself the bigger favor, contact medical personnel to the accident scene. In most states, it is a requirement that the local police are summoned to conduct an accident report. You see where I�m going with this. Most importantly, don�t argue with the other driver as to who is At Fault. In most cases, the other driver is so caught-up in substantiating their claim of injury, they usually run off at the mouth when explaining their side of the story to the police, that they inadvertently show that they were in fact responsible for the accident.