Car accidents are very common nowadays specially on the congested streets of American cities. Being involved in a car accident and getting the fright of your life are already bad enough, but if it turns out you are the liable party, then you have a bigger problem. People who the law deems as the cause of car accidents may end up being fined with big amount of money or imprisoned depending on the gravity of their offense. Knowing whether you are liable in a car accident helps you and your accident lawyer prepare for the legal consequences. Here are some pointers that will help you determine whether you are liable for an auto accident:
- If you know you broke traffic safety rules, you are liable
Sometimes people don’t take traffic laws seriously. They know it’s illegal to text while driving, yet they do. They know they could put other people’s lives in danger if they run the red light, yet they do. There is a dangerous concept that people have in their heads that if there are no cops around, it’s okay to break the law. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. If you met an accident because you did not follow the traffic rules, it will be your fault and you will be held liable.
- Rear end accidents
The most common type of car accident that people encounter is rear end collisions. If it is your car that’s hit from behind, you are usually not liable. Even if you suddenly stop because the car in front of you stopped, the person who rear-ended your car is still liable for the accident. This is because the law states that they should maintain a distance from the car in front of them. If they rear-ended you, it could mean they didn’t maintain a good distance or they were driving too fast.
However, if your negligence contributed to the accident, like if you forgot to warn the person behind you that you are going to stop, then you will have some liability. It is best to talk to your accident lawyer concerning this issue.
- Left-Turn Collisions
Another common accident and a more dangerous one is the left-turn collision. Concerning this type of accident, the driver doing the left turn is generally at fault because the right of way belongs to the cars running straight into the intersection. This is why it is important to make sure it is safe before making a left turn. However, if the driver going straight into the intersection broke the law by over speeding or beating the red light, all the liability may be transferred to that person. Reliable accident lawyers are generally able to determine if the cause of the left turn collision is you or the other driver. Make sure you have an accident lawyer you can contact easily in cases of accidents.
If you are involved in a left turn collision or rear end collision, which you think is your fault, immediately contact your accident lawyer so he can act right away and find a solution to reduce the amount you have to pay. If you are the victim, make sure you photograph or video the proof that you are not at fault so your accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.