Tyler Gross | December 16, 2024 | Car Accidents
There is a common idea that police reports or witness statements are the main pieces of evidence in car accident cases. While those are helpful, one often-overlooked clue can be found right on the roadway itself: tire marks.
These dark lines left behind by spinning or sliding wheels can help explain how and why a crash happened. By examining them, investigators may be able to figure out which driver is at fault and who should be held responsible for any injuries or damage.
The Role of Tire Marks in Determining Fault
Tire marks can give a snapshot of what happened in the final seconds before a collision. If two cars crash, experts can look at tire marks to learn more about each driver’s actions. Did one driver slam on the brakes too late? Did another swerve sharply and lose control? The pattern and length of these marks can help answer these questions.
For example, long, straight skid marks might mean that a driver tried to stop but couldn’t do so in time. Curved marks could show that someone swerved or lost control, perhaps trying to avoid an obstacle. By piecing together these details, those investigating the crash can form a better picture of who might be at fault.
How Tire Marks Can Influence Liability
The law requires that drivers use reasonable care to avoid causing harm. If you are in a car accident, any evidence showing that another driver acted negligently can help support your claim for compensation. Tire marks often serve as this kind of proof.
If a driver was going too fast and had to slam on their brakes, their tire marks may be long and heavy, indicating that they could not stop in time. If a driver’s marks show a pattern of swerving or spinning, it might mean they did not handle their vehicle properly.
This kind of evidence can stand alongside other factors—like traffic cameras or witness statements—to help decide who bears legal responsibility for the crash.
Common Types of Tire Marks
Before using tire marks to help prove fault, it helps to understand what different marks can mean.
When experts look at these signs on the pavement, they may find:
- Skid marks: Long, straight lines that show when a driver hit the brakes hard
- Yaw marks: Curved patterns left when a car spins or slides sideways
- Acceleration marks: Lighter marks that form when a vehicle speeds up too quickly
- Intermittent skip marks: Dotted marks left by actions like pumping the brakes
Each type of mark adds another piece to the puzzle. By studying them, experts can figure out if a driver was speeding, driving carelessly, or trying to avoid a sudden hazard.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Evaluate Tire Marks and Other Evidence To Prove Your Claim
Tire marks can be a key piece of evidence in proving who is at fault for a car accident. By working with an experienced attorney, you can learn more about how to use this evidence to support your claim. Your lawyer can gather and evaluate all the details—tire marks, witness statements, and accident reports—to help build a strong case on your behalf.
Do not face the aftermath of an auto accident alone. Consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process. With the right support, you can focus on healing while your lawyer helps you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in North Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced accident lawyers in Florida at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 434-3333
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Navarre Office
9933 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 757-2898
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Crestview Office
1501 S Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 407-7726
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Milton Office
6373 US-90
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 790-7790
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Mary Esther Office
151 Mary Esther Blvd Suite 103A
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Phone: (850) 809-0170