If you suffer injuries after a car accident, you can file a claim against the other driver if he or she is the one at fault. Not all car accidents are black and white. It’s common for more than one party to be at fault in an accident. Your percentage of fault could affect your accident claim. How can you determine your fault in an accident?
How Much of the Fault Is Yours?
After an accident, it is natural to think about fault. You may find yourself questioning what responsibilities you had and what responsibilities that you failed to meet to cause the accident. Are all of your injuries the fault of the other driver? Immediately after an accident, it is normal to feel some amount of guilt and confusion.
The confusion is one reason why it is important that you have police reports and witness statements. After an accident, you may be too shaken up to have a clear memory of the event. In some cases, though, you may know that you had partial blame in the accident.
Were you distracted at the time of the accident? Did you choose not to wear your seatbelt and suffered worse injuries because of it? There are several ways that you can contribute to the fault of an accident. Before you file an insurance claim, you may want to discuss fault with a lawyer.
How Will Insurance Companies Determine Fault?
In many states even if you were partially to blame for an accident, you can still file an insurance claim. Your reward, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault. The insurance companies are who determines your level of fault. Often, your lawyer will discuss fault with the insurance company. The two parties will consider the factors that contributed to the car wreck. Your attorney is your advocate. He or she may call expert witnesses, examine testimonies and bring evidence to the table to defend your level of fault. Your attorney’s job is to fight for you to receive your fair share of a settlement.
Determining fault in a car accident can be complex. Most drivers benefit from having a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer from David & Philpot, P.L., at their side. You deserve an advocate that cannot only help you determine your percentage of fault but can fight for your settlement. To determine your fault and to discuss your claim, set up a consultation with a car accident lawyer today.