Fresno is one of those places that feels like a big city and a small town at the same time. You’ve got freeways, crowded intersections, and tons of people driving around every day. This city is one of the busiest cities in California’s Central Valley, and when it comes to traffic, it lives up to that reputation.
One of the biggest issues drivers face in the aftermath of a crash is disagreement over who was at fault. Maybe the other driver insists they had the right of way, or perhaps both sides are blaming each other. Either way, disputes can quickly derail your ability to file a proper insurance claim or seek compensation. If you’re not prepared to deal with it, you could end up being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault.
If things ever get complicated in a car accident involving you or someone you know, talking to Fresno car accident attorneys is always a better option than exchanging words with the other party.
Here are other ways you can navigate disagreements after a vehicle collision:
Collect Evidence Immediately and Thoroughly
After a vehicle collision, disagreements about who’s responsible can happen quickly. One of the first things you should do is stay calm. Arguing or getting emotional won’t help the situation. Instead, focus on gathering as much evidence as possible.
Take photos of the damage, the scene of the accident, and any important details like road signs or traffic lights. If there are witnesses, get their contact information, as their statements can support your version of events.
Get a Police Report Even for Minor Collisions
In California, you’re not legally required to call the police for every accident. But when there’s a disagreement about fault, getting a police report can give your case credibility, especially if one side is clearly being dishonest.
Officers are trained to gather neutral, third-party information and often include diagrams, witness statements, and driver accounts in their reports.
Even if the officer doesn’t assign fault in the report, their observations (which typically cover the location of the vehicles or the condition of the drivers) can become key pieces of evidence when it’s time to negotiate or go to court.
Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster Without Preparation
After an accident, the other party’s insurance company may contact you for a recorded statement. They may seem polite or sympathetic, but their job is to limit their company’s liability, not help you.
You’re not obligated to give a recorded statement without legal advice. In fact, it’s often better not to. The wrong choice of words, or even an honest mistake about what lane you were in, can be twisted later to reduce or deny your claim.
Before speaking to any adjuster, speak to your own insurance provider and a car accident attorney, especially if fault is being disputed. They’ll help you prepare, clarify what you should (and shouldn’t) say, and ensure that you don’t inadvertently weaken your case.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
If things aren’t straightforward, getting an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is one thing you can’t afford to hesitate on.
A local attorney understands how Fresno’s traffic laws, insurance practices, and court systems work. They know which intersections have higher accident rates, how to request street camera footage from the city, and how to negotiate with insurance companies that serve the Central Valley.
Your lawyer can also:
- Collect and preserve key evidence
- Handle all communications with insurers
- Calculate the full value of your losses (vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, etc.)
- Represent you if the case goes to court or arbitration
Disputes over fault can slow everything down, starting from your claim, your recovery, and even your ability to fix your car or get medical treatment covered. Having legal guidance means you’re not dealing with any of that alone.
