How is Fault Determined in an Automotive Accident?

If you have ever been involved in a car or truck accident, or witnessed one occurring right before your eyes, generally is it easy to point out who was in the wrong, and why this accident transpired. There are many factors that are used when determining who is at fault for a car crash, and police and insurance claims adjusters are going to use this information as they decide who it is that is going to be responsible for paying the claim. And in an effort to keep you informed should you be facing a car accident lawsuit or have recently submitted a claim for a collision you were involved in, car accident attorneys in Arizona point out some common reasons why drivers are found at fault for an accident.

If speeding was a factor in an accident, that driver may be found at fault for causing the crash.

Speeding- If two drivers become entangled in a car collision, and one was traveling beyond the legal limits, they then are going to be held liable as they were breaking the law. Speed limits are often set for specific purposes, and one is to ensure you don’t travel beyond a rate where you won’t have time to stop your vehicle.

Tailgating a vehicle- Many states have specific limits set on much of a distance needs to be kept between you and the vehicle in front of you. Car accident lawyers in Arizona point out that is a vehicle is traveling too closely, there is a chance they will rear-end the vehicle in front, resulting in them being liable for the accident.

 

Merging into traffic incorrectly – Many highways require lanes to merge into one another, however, there is a specific way this must be done. When your lane is merging into some else’s, they have the right of way and you must break until it is safe and clear for you to enter on yourself.

Failing to abide by roadway traffic signals can be used to determine fault in an accident.

Stop signs and stop lights- These two traffic signals are used to maintain the flow of traffic. When a driver fails to stop at a red light, they increase their chance of hitting oncoming traffic that may have a green light and are permitted to go. The same goes for stop signs. If a driver is guilty of going through a stop sign which resulted in a collision, they are more than likely going to be recognized as the cause of the crash.

Failing to yield at pedestrian walkways- When a pedestrian is permitted to walk, yet a driver fails to adhere to the signs, again, they could be facing a personal injury lawsuit for the injuries they brought on.

If you are the unfortunate victim of a recent auto accident and are worried you are going to be held accountable for causing it, yet you believe the other driver is also partially liable, consider consulting with a licensed Arizona auto accident law firm local to you. USAttorneys.com can help you find a car collision lawyer in your city who can assist with clarifying who in fact was at fault for the accident.