Safe driving helps eliminate some risk of traffic accidents, but often car accidents might not even be your fault. Having a plan before an accident occurs will help you handle the stressful and frantic moment better if it occurs.
How Do You Know Who Is At Fault In A Traffic Accident?
Knowing who caused a traffic accident isn’t always clear cut, such as when two drivers merge into a single lane and collide.
In general, traffic laws will help determine who was the careless driver that initiated the accident.
To prove a driver acted with negligence, the following criteria must be met:
- The driver is legally required to be reasonably careful in this particular situation;
- The driver (or pedestrian or cyclist) was not reasonably careful, as in this same action wouldn’t have been taken by another reasonable person;
- The driver’s conduct caused actual injury or damage to someone, shown through photos, expert testimony, and medical bills.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved In A Traffic Accident?
Immediately after a traffic accident, take as many notes as you can, from the location, traffic conditions, time, and weather conditions. Write down these notes as soon as possible. You’ll also want to exchange insurance information with the other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. It may also be necessary to call the police if a ticket needs to be issued.
After your traffic accident, whether it includes a car, truck, bicycle, or even if you were walking, call the top rated attorneys at Hyland, Padilla, & Fowler’s legal offices right away.
We offer free consultations to help you assess your case and understand what legal avenues you can pursue.
If the police find you negligent in the traffic accident, you may need to appear in court. Our legal team can help you minimize the sentencing by touting past driving records, the weather, or other conditions.
If you were the victim, you might be able to sue the at-fault party, such as:
- the driver of the truck or car
- the owner of the vehicle
- the person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
- the manufacturer of the truck, tires, or other equipment that may have caused the accident (or contributed to its severity).
If you win damages in a lawsuit, it can help you cover the costs of any medical bills, rehabilitation, or damages to your car that resulted from the accident.