How do you prove you’re not at fault in a car accident?

In most car accidents, one driver is found to be at fault, but that doesn’t always mean they’ll admit it. While many collisions are resolved quickly, disputes over fault can arise, especially when drivers offer conflicting versions of events.

In Australia, the at-fault driver (or their insurer) is generally responsible for covering vehicle damage and related costs. So, if you weren’t at fault, it’s important to have the proper evidence and documentation to support your car insurance claim.

Below, we’ll walk you through how fault is determined and what you can do to prove you weren’t to blame.

Been in an accident? Call Sheen first. We offer reliable smash repairs, 24/7 towing, and insurance claim assistance, so you can focus on getting back on the road.

When are you considered at fault in a car accident?

In most cases, the driver who caused the accident will be considered at fault through negligence, distraction, or breaking road rules. This means they (or their insurer) are liable for vehicle damage.

You’re generally considered at fault if you:

• Failed to obey road signs or signals
• Merged unsafely or didn’t give way
• Rear-ended another vehicle
• Were distracted, speeding, or intoxicated

If the other party disagrees with your version of events, and there’s no clear evidence, the dispute may need to be settled by the insurers or in court. Under Australian road law, all drivers have a duty to act with reasonable care to avoid accidents.

Fault is usually determined using police reports, witness statements, dash cam footage, and other supporting documentation. That’s why the steps you take immediately after a crash are so important, especially if you know you weren’t to blame.

How to prove a car accident was not your fault

If you’re trying to prove you're not at fault after a car accident or the other driver is disputing responsibility, you’ll need to gather as much supporting evidence as possible. The more detail you can give your insurer, the stronger your case will be.

1. Immediately after the accident

Once you've determined that you and any others involved are safe, your next priority should be to gather and record key information.

Here’s what to do:

Swap details with the other driver, including full name, licence, registration, and contact information. Take clear photos of:

• Damage to all vehicles.
• The road conditions, signage, and overall accident scene.
• The other vehicle’s number plate and position.

Make notes on the scene — use your phone to jot down anything unusual, like poor visibility, speeding, or traffic conditions.

• Photograph the other driver’s licence if possible.
• Collect witness details — names and contact numbers in case their account is needed to support yours.
• Call Sheen for help with lodging your insurance claim and getting repairs underway.
• Contact your insurer to inform them of the incident and provide your version of events.

Witnesses can provide an objective view of what happened and are especially helpful when the other driver challenges your claim. Their statements can make a significant difference in proving your version of events.

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2. Next steps

It’s a good idea to notify the police that you’ve been involved in an accident, especially if there’s significant damage, injury, or a dispute over who was at fault. Filing a police report gives you a formal record of the incident that outlines what happened and can be used as supporting evidence for your insurance claim.

Once that’s done, it’s time to start organising repairs. Look for a reputable panel beater who can restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition, repairing any dents, scrapes, or structural damage caused in the crash.

3. Proving you were not at fault

If the other party is trying to shift blame for the accident, you may need to prove your version of events — not just to your insurer, but potentially to the other driver’s as well.

It’s helpful to communicate via email so you have a written record of all correspondence.

To support your claim, make sure to:

• Clearly explain your version of the accident, including what occurred and who was involved.
• Provide photographic evidence and any relevant diagrams or location details.
• Include contact details for any witnesses and summarise what they observed.

If the other party continues to dispute who was at fault, the best approach is to present as much factual detail as possible and let the insurers assess the evidence.

If you’re uninsured or managing the process independently, Sheen can assist you with the repairs and help liaise with the other party’s insurer.

Getting your vehicle back on the road after an accident

If you've been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the at-fault driver (or their insurer) is usually responsible for covering the cost of your vehicle repairs. This might be arranged through a direct payment or third-party claim with their insurance provider.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Even if you're insured, you can choose your nearest Sheen location. We can assist in ensuring the at-fault party’s insurer covers your repairs.
• You can choose your repairer regardless of who pays the bill. For added convenience, pick the Sheen store closest to home or work.

Sheen offers a complete service: from panel beating and vehicle repairs to managing the claims process on your behalf. If you’ve just had an accident, call us — we’ll organise everything for you, from insurer liaison to restoring your vehicle to pre-accident condition. We’ll even detail it and have you safely back on the road.

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Contact Sheen today

After an accident that wasn’t your fault, you want your car repaired quickly, without stress or surprises. That’s where Sheen comes in. We’ll restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition with minimal hassle and fast turnaround times.

We’re a leading smash repair and panel beating service in Victoria, trusted by drivers for over 55 years. Whether your vehicle is a sedan, van, or luxury one, we can assist with all types of damage, major or minor.

Get in touch today for reliable, high-quality repairs and full support throughout the not-at-fault claims process. Sheen is your trusted provider for not-at-fault smash repair services.