There are an estimated five million car crashes in the US every year. While most of these crashes don’t result in a fatality, it can still be a complicated issue, especially when figuring out who has to pay for the damage incurred.
Sometimes this can be easy to detect, but often it can present a complex issue. You can always turn to a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, for help, but here is some basic information you may want to keep in mind.
Who Should Be Held Accountable for the Damage?
In case your vehicle is part of an accident, be it a minor one or a huge roadblock, police reports are always considered part of the evidence insurance companies collect. Even lawyers use them to pinpoint the side that’s liable for the damages.
Essentially, three factors play a key role in determining who is accountable for the damages:
- Liability – Police reports and other factors point to the person’s liability to pay for the damages, i.e., the one deemed liable has the legal responsibility to pay for all caused harm.
- Reasonable care while operating a motor vehicle – This means obeying the speed limit, using turn signals, and paying attention to the road at all times. They might also consider inclement weather and other factors affecting driving conditions.
- Negligence – To be able to specify the accountable party in a car accident that has caused any type of damage, you should be able to note the existence of negligent behavior. The importance of establishing negligence lies in determining the exact behavior that led or contributed to the accident, whether it’s a person or a legal entity involved.
An At-Fault or No-Fault Issue?
Depending on the state where the car accident occurred, an at-fault or no-fault matter presents itself. California is one of the states practicing an at-fault policy, which means that whoever is responsible for the accident will be held accountable to pay for the damages incurred.
Contrary to the at-fault policy, a no-fault one means that everyone involved in the car accident, regardless of the number of participants, should file individual insurance claims with their insurance companies.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
The best thing you can do when you are involved in a car accident is to hire a car accident attorney. There’s nothing better than having legal support in these cases, with or without casualties.
Your lawyer will procure expert witnesses, abide by protocols to ensure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible, as well as utilize every legal means to ensure your case wins.
Attorneys specializing in car accidents are very well acquainted with local laws, court protocols, and systems, meaning they will (and can) take into perspective the smallest detail that might clear you from liability.
Trust Car Accident Legal Professionals to Have Your Back
If you’ve been in a car accident and require legal assistance, rest assured that the lawyers at Haffner Law are here to help.
From handling legal issues regarding head-on collisions to taxi accidents, distracted driving accidents, and more, we will ensure you are legally covered in every step.
Contact us for a free case review and have LA’s finest lawyers handle your legal matters with care and dedication.
