If you’ve been in a car accident one of the most important things to know is whether or not your state is an at-fault state.
In some states both parties are considered to be partially responsible for an accident in some circumstances. In other states the driver that caused the accident is solely at fault.
What determines car accident fault in California? California is an at-fault state when it comes to car accident fault.
What is a Fault State?
In an at-fault car accident state like California, the person that caused the accident is responsible for paying for all the damages caused by the accident. That includes medical bills, car repairs, and any damages awarded for pain and suffering.
So if you were involved in a car accident in California you must prove that you were not at fault in order to receive compensation.
If you can prove that the accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver will have to pay you for the damage to your car, any medical expenses for injuries that you suffered, and pain and suffering if those damages are awarded by the court.
In order to prove that you weren’t responsible for the accident you will need to gather as much evidence as you can.
If you have a dash cam, the footage from the dash cam can prove that you weren’t at fault. If you don’t have a dash cam, you might want to consider getting one because they can be very useful for proving fault in the event of an auto accident.
You will also need other evidence such as photos and witness statements.
Make sure that you have receipts for all payments for car repairs, medical bills, and items that you needed as a result of the crash.
You can also be compensated for days that you had to miss work or sick leave that you had to take as a result of any injuries from the car accident.
Drivers can also purchase at-fault insurance to protect themselves if they are ever the responsible party in a car crash. With at-fault insurance the insurance company will negotiate a settlement for you.
What is a No-Fault State?
In a no-fault state neither party is held responsible for the accident. Each driver pays for their own car repairs and medical bills, or their insurance companies pay.
But neither driver is responsible for the cost of the other’s medical bills or car repairs.
Get Help With Your California Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been in a car accident in California determining the fault of the accident is important. If you’re in a car accident don’t admit responsibility at the time of the accident.
Gather up as much evidence as you can, get statements or at least contact information from witnesses, and get an attorney who may be able to help you prepare your case.
A car accident attorney can help you prove who was at fault for the accident and get any compensation that you’re entitled to. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation today.
