Determining Fault in a Car Accident

September 12, 2017

If you’ve been in a car accident, the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you receive can depend on who was at fault. In some cases, it is easy to determine fault. If you were hit by a drunk driver or someone who was texting or otherwise egregiously breaking the law, chances are it will be fairly easy to prove fault in your case. In other cases, though, it may be more difficult.

This is why it is extremely important to document everything at the time of the crash and to call a lawyer as soon as possible. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report, take photos of the scene, and get copies of witness statements.

Karl Truman has years of experience helping car crash victims get the compensation they deserve, and he will help you navigate all the paperwork and legalities following your accident.

Examples of Driver Negligence

Driver negligence is by far the most common cause of car crashes. For most people, driving is a routine task, and this often leads to carelessness. Many car accidents could have been avoided had the driver been paying more attention to the road and their surroundings.

Some of the most dangerous things you can do while driving include:

• Texting
• Eating or drinking
• Putting on makeup
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving while drowsy

Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road is considered a distraction, and distracted drivers are most often found to be the at-fault party in a car collision.

Other Types of At-Fault Parties In Car Accidents

In addition to negligence by the other driver, car accidents can be caused by:

• Defective auto parts: Defective auto parts are a common cause of accidents and injury. The most recent example is the Takata air bags, which had a defect which caused them to improperly inflate and explode. There have been 11 deaths and over 180 injuries from these air bags so far.
• Undertrained commercial truck drivers: While truck accidents are often caused by drowsy or under the influence drivers, in some cases drivers may simply have not had enough training to know how to react well in a dangerous situation. In these cases, their employer may be found to be at fault.
• Poorly maintained or designed roads: Unsafe roads or road conditions can lead to auto accidents. If you crashed on an unsafe road, you may not be at fault.
• Doctor negligence: If you were prescribed a medication but not sufficiently warned about its potential side effects, then a crash due to being under the influence of prescription drugs may be considered your doctor’s fault.

When speaking with your car accident attorney in Kentucky or Indiana, be sure to have all of the facts ready, along with evidence to back up your claims. This will help when determining how much compensation is owed to you.

Schedule Your Free Car Crash Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, Karl Truman can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. Call the Karl Truman Law Office at 502-306-0709 today to schedule your free case evaluation.

We serve clients in the Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana areas.