Once the people involved in a car accident have made sure that everyone else is okay, the next thing that usually takes place is a lot of finger-pointing. Understandably so, since being at fault for an accident can affect everything from the cost of your insurance premium to "points" on your driving record. In this section, we'll discuss common issues of fault when it comes to car accidents, from fairly clear-cut cases (like rear-end accidents) to crash scenarios where more than one driver is to blame.
The success of a car accident claim often hinges on showing that the other driver was to blame for the crash.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
A look at different examples of driver error and other causes of vehicle accidents.
Car Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use
You may be liable for a car accident if you were using a cell phone or other device while driving.
Car Accidents and Police Reports
What does the police report contain, and how is it used during a car accident settlement or lawsuit?
Car Accidents Caused by a Medical Emergency
How does liability work when the other driver blacks out or has a heart attack?
Employer Liability for Employee Car Accidents
When an employee is using a vehicle for work-related purposes, the employer may be on the legal hook for injuries and vehicle damage resulting from an accident caused by the employee.
What is Proximate Cause in a Car Accident Case?
Learn how fault for a car accident often comes down to figuring out whose conduct was the "proximate cause" of the crash.
Rear-End Collisions Caused by Faulty Brakes
One possible exception to the rear-end collision rule -- which says the tailing driver is always liable -- is when the crash was caused by faulty brakes.
Car Accident Liability for Disabled and Restricted Drivers
When a driver has a disability and/or certain restrictions on their driving privileges, it can become a factor in a car accident injury claim.
Fault in Side Impact (T-Bone) Car Accidents
After a traffic accident in which one vehicle "t-bones" another, it's not always obvious who was at fault for the crash.
Car Accident Defenses: Contributory and Comparative Negligence
Your financial recovery may be limited if your own negligence played a part in causing your accident.
Car Accidents Caused by Negligence
Learn about negligence -- a legal theory for proving fault in car accident cases.
Car Accidents and Negligence: When You Are Liable for Another Person's Driving
You may be legally responsible for a car accident even if you weren't in the car.
What If My Car Accident Was Caused by Drowsy Driving?
It can be an uphill battle to prove that your accident was caused by a drowsy driver, but there are some indicators that can help you establish the other driver's liability.
What if I black out and cause a car accident?
Some states recognize the “sudden medical emergency defense,” which can relieve a driver from liability when they suffer an unforeseen medical emergency that causes a car accident. Here's what you need to prove to avoid financial responsibility.
What If I'm at Fault for a Car Accident?
When you're at fault for a car accident, the consequences depend on where you live (in a "fault" or "no-fault" state) and the details of your car insurance policy.
Who Is at Fault For a Parking Lot Car Accident?
When you're in a parking lot accident, fault for the crash isn't usually clear-cut. Here are some key issues to consider.
What is Proximate Cause in a Car Accident Case?
Learn how fault for a car accident often comes down to figuring out whose conduct was the "proximate cause" of the crash.
Is Fault Automatic in a Rear-End Car Accident Case?
The tailing driver is usually -- but not always -- at fault for a rear-end accident. Learn more.
I disagree with the police report that was written up after my car accident. What can I do?
After a car accident, especially where drivers or anyone else have been injured, a law enforcement officer may come to the scene and prepare a police report.
I Hit a Parked Car & Left a Note, but Haven't Heard Anything. Am I Still Liable?
A look at the legal and financial implications of hitting a parked car.