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.
Most car accidents are caused by driver error. Here are the most common driver mistakes, together with some other causes.
You may be liable for a car accident if you were using a cell phone or other device while driving.
What does the police report contain, and how is it used during a car accident settlement or lawsuit?
How does liability work when the other driver blacks out or has a heart attack?
When an employee causes an auto accident, the employer may be on the legal hook for resulting injuries and property damage.
Learn how fault for a car accident often comes down to figuring out whose conduct was the "proximate cause" of the crash.
In a rear-end collision involving faulty brakes, someone other than the tailing driver could be at fault.
The process of figuring out who’s at fault for a t-bone auto accident starts at the crash scene. Learn about proving fault and damages in these kinds of cases.
What should you do to preserve visual evidence for your injury claim or lawsuit?
Your financial recovery may be limited if your own negligence played a part in causing an accident.
Understand the legal theory behind the all-important "Who was at fault?" question in car accident cases.
The car insurance coverage picture and potential liability rules when a driver causes an accident in someone else's vehicle.
Driving when you're too tired is both unsafe and legally risky.
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.
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.
Here's what to do if you think the other driver was texting or otherwise using their phone just before the crash.
When you're in a parking lot accident, fault for the crash isn't usually clear-cut. Here are some key issues to consider.
Fault is usually, but not always, easy to place following a rear-end car collision.
A police report can make or break a car accident insurance claim or lawsuit, so it's important to address errors as soon as possible.
Hitting a parked car triggers special legal obligations, but fault and insurance rules are the same as with any other kind of car accident.
Even if you didn’t cause your car accident, you may still need a lawyer to protect your rights and help you get the best result.
An in-depth look at how an injured driver or passenger's failure to wear a seatbelt could affect a car accident injury claim against the at-fault driver.
If you were injured in a car accident by a driver who recently used marijuana, what does that mean for your car accident claim or lawsuit?
Successfully disputing fault in a car accident case can mean the difference between a fair settlement and getting nothing.
Determining fault in chain-reaction traffic collisions can be especially tricky, often because these accidents have multiple causes.
Damage to the vehicles involved in an accident can often help tell the story of who was at fault for the crash.
How to build your best car accident case when it's your word against the other driver's.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.