In a Car Accident: How to Determine Who is at Fault

If you have been in a car accident, you could experience a variety of injuries and damage to your vehicle or other personal property. However, you are generally only entitled to compensation if the accident wasn’t your fault. How do you determine fault in a motor vehicle collision?

Was the Other Driver Acting in a Negligent Manner?

Generally speaking, if the other driver in the crash was acting in a negligent manner prior to the collision, he or she is responsible for the accident. Examples of negligent behavior include talking on a cellphone or driving through a red light. Other examples include making a left turn at a red light or not stopping for a school bus or ambulance with its lights on.

Who Is at Fault for a Single Car Crash?

In the event that a collision involves just a single vehicle, the driver of that vehicle is not necessarily responsible for the crash. For instance, if a road was poorly designed, the government agency responsible for overseeing road safety could be found liable for the accident. If faulty brakes played a role in a crash, the brake manufacturer could be liable for damages.

Multiple Parties Could Be Negligent

In some cases, drivers in multiple cars could be deemed negligent. For instance, if both drivers were on a phone prior to the collision, they would likely both bear some responsibility for the collision. The same could be true if one driver was impaired but the other ran a stop sign in the seconds before a wreck. If an injured driver is found partially liable for his or her injuries, it will reduce the financial award that he or she is entitled to.

Consult with an Attorney

If you have been involved in a collision, it is important that you consult with a car accident attorney. He or she will be able to tell you more about how the law determines who was at fault for an accident. Your legal counsel can also work to maximize the amount of any financial award that you receive. A larger award may make it easier to provide for yourself and your family.

After a car accident, your top priority should be holding those who caused the crash responsible for their actions. This may be done by gathering physical and video evidence from the crash scene. Hiring an attorney may also make it easier to get justice after a motor vehicle wreck.