What Happens When You Are At Fault for a Car Accident in California?

Determining fault in an auto accident is not always straightforward. Whether you believe you were at fault for a motor vehicle collision or it was the other driver, you must speak with a car accident lawyers as soon as possible. They can investigate the accident to determine liability and guide you through the legal process. If you are found to be at fault, your attorney can help you deal with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer, to make the entire claims process as low-stress as possible.

Fault Laws in California

In California, fault is determined by investigating the accident and gathering evidence. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver who is found responsible for the accident will be held liable for any damages that resulted from the collision. This can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. The at-fault driver’s insurance provider will cover the cost of these damages — and an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will ensure that fault is accurately established and that every category of your losses is fully pursued against the responsible party’s insurer.

Different Types of Fault

In car accident claims, several different types of fault can come into play, including:

Negligence

Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. For example, if a driver is intoxicated while driving and causes a car crash, they would be considered negligent.

Recklessness

Recklessness is the deliberate disregard for the safety of others. For example, if a motorist is speeding and causes a collision, they can be considered reckless.

Intentional Misconduct

Intentional misconduct involves a motorist taking deliberate actions that result in an auto accident. For example, if the driver runs a stop sign and collides with another vehicle, their actions can be considered intentional misconduct.

Strict Liability

Strict liability refers to situations in which a motorist is considered at fault automatically, regardless of whether they were reckless or negligent. For example, if a driver hits a cyclist who is riding their bike in a crosswalk, they may be considered strictly liable.

Determining fault in an auto accident isn’t always clear and simple, since many factors can contribute to a collision. For example, both motorists can share fault if they were both texting while driving or speeding. California uses the comparative fault system, assigning each motorist a percentage of fault and awarding damages accordingly.

Should I Hire a Car Crash Lawyer if I’m At Fault for an Auto Accident?

If you believe you were at fault for a car crash, you must contact a car accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys as soon as possible. A car accident lawyer on our legal team can investigate the accident to determine whether you were fully or partially to blame for the collision. In some cases, after an investigation, the attorney may find that the other driver was at fault. Because liability is not always clear, you must have an experienced car accident attorney investigate the accident.

If you are to blame for the collision, your attorney can handle your insurer and the other driver’s insurer, preventing either party from contacting you directly. If you are found only partly to blame for the collision, your attorney will help you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider and help you recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.

Contact Us Today

In some cases, determining liability can be very complex. Because of this, you must seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer whether you believe you were at fault for the accident or it was the other driver. Your attorney can investigate your accident and work with experts to determine liability. If the other driver is found partially responsible for the car crash, your attorney can help you fight for fair compensation to cover your losses. Contact MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer on your legal team to learn more.