What Makes You Liable in a Car Accident

Car accidents can change people's lives. Not only do they result in physical injuries and vehicle damage, but they might also lead to severe psychological and emotional repercussions.



Alarmingly, car accidents are becoming increasingly common in the United States, with traffic-accident-related fatalities hitting a 20-year high. In fact, more than 9,500 people lost their lives due to risky driving behaviors only in the first three months of this year.

Unfortunately, it's not always clear who's liable in a car accident. In this article, we'll discuss factors that make you liable in a car accident, according to car accident attorneys in Chico.

What Is Negligence In Car Accidents?

You might be liable if someone can prove your negligence that lead to a car accident. This is an important factor in car accident disputes that can affect your case in court and during settlements.

But what does negligence mean?

To put it simply, negligence refers to careless conduct that can result in harm to another person. When it comes to car accidents, negligence is going against the traffic laws. For example, you can be negligent for choosing to break rules like overspeeding or running a red light.

Listed below are some common factors that make you liable in car accidents.

Factor #1: Violating Motor Vehicle Laws

Each state has motor vehicle laws set in place to govern how motorists are expected to behave when they're on the road. In most cases, violating a motor vehicle law can make you liable. As a result, the motorist must then defend themselves and present evidence to prove that they are innocent.

These breaches of law include:

1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

2. Violating a pedestrian's right-of-way

3. Driving on the wrong side of the road.

4. Going over the set speed-limit

Factor #2: Admitting Blame

In many cases, it’s not just violating laws that can make you liable in car accidents. If you make any comments or admit blame after an accident, you’re likely to be found negligent for the incident.

Factor #3: Witnesses’ Blame

You're also likely to be liable in a car accident claim if the witnesses of the accident claim that you were at fault. If most witnesses put the blame on you and the evidence proves it, you're most likely to be proven negligent.

 


It’s vital that you contact car accident attorneys in Chico to ensure your rights are protected.

The Chico personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Ron Marquez can analyze your situation. They have expert lawyers to help build your case during car accident settlements in Chico.

They also provide property division attorneys, family law attorneys, and estate and probate planning attorneys in Chico, CA.

Reach out today to find out more.

 

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