How Can Fault Be Determined in a New Haven Vehicle Accident?
Before you can seek compensation, the insurance companies must determine which party is at fault for the car accident. This step is crucial since the negligent party’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for the medical expenses and property damages sustained by those injured by the collision.
There are many ways to establish liability after a vehicle accident. Documentation of the accident site and medical records can help determine fault as can any surveillance footage of the crash and other factors.
In some cases, the party who negligently caused the collision can be clearly identified. An example would be a driver going through a red light and hitting other vehicles. Determining the party at fault in this instance is straightforward since the liability of the motorist who committed an infraction can be proven.
However, there are many situations where establishing fault is more challenging due to several factors. For instance, it will be more difficult to determine liability in an accident involving the collision of two vehicles merging into a single lane or a pile-up involving many vehicles in snowy weather.
Nevertheless, those injured in a car accident should not assume that they are ineligible for compensation. If you’ve been involved in a collision, get in touch with our car accident lawyers in New Haven. We will listen to your case, investigates, protect your rights, and help you win the compensation you’re entitled to.
Types and Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can come in many forms and can be caused by various factors. Learning about the accident’s circumstances can be beneficial in determining the events that have led to the collision, the negligent party, and the compensation you can receive for damages and injuries.
Types of Car Accidents
- Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions make up roughly 40% of car accidents in the United States. This kind of accident often happens when a vehicle tailgates or follows another one too closely. If the car in front suddenly slows down or stops, the one tailgating might collide with its rear end.
- Head-on collisions: Although this type of collision happens less frequently in the United States, it has a higher fatality rate, especially at high speeds. Head-on car accidents are often caused by poor visibility due to heavy rain or fog.
- T-bone collisions: Also referred to as broadside accidents, T-bone collisions usually occur at intersections when a car crashes into the side of another vehicle. The crash often results in critical injuries such as head trauma, fractured bones, or even loss of life.
- Multiple vehicle collisions: These accidents are among the most catastrophic and fatal. Multi-car pile-ups often begin with a single collision. However, due to distracted driving or poor visibility conditions that make the initial accident harder to notice, three or more, and in bad weather, it can be much more, vehicles can also become involved in the crash.
- Sideswipe collision: Sideswipe collisions usually occur when a car swerves or wanders into the adjacent lane and hits the side of another vehicle. It can also happen when a motorist fails to check if the next lane is clear before switching.
- Single-car collisions: Even though this type of accident only involves one car, that doesn’t mean that the driver is at fault. Single-vehicle collisions often happen when a motorist tries to avoid hitting something, like a person or an animal and collides with another object instead.
Causes of Car Accidents
- Reckless driving: Some instances of reckless driving are over-speeding, weaving between other vehicles, tailgating, racing, running a red light, and other rash driving actions. These actions are a leading cause of car accidents and often endanger other drivers.
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers cause many car accidents. Common distractions include things that can take the driver’s attention from driving, their eyes off the road, and their hands off the steering wheel. Even though it’s a widespread belief that people can multitask, doing other things like texting or eating can make it very difficult to concentrate properly on driving.
- Drunk driving: Drivers influenced by alcohol often suffer from poor decision-making, reduced reaction times, less focus, and impairment of other necessary driving skills. Driving under the influence causes, on average, 29 deaths every day in the US.
- Fatigue: Alertness and quick reaction times are essential whenever driving. However, both of these can be compromised whenever the body doesn’t get enough rest, which is why exhausted motorists are more likely to get involved in car accidents.
- Bad weather: Poor driving conditions can also lead to car collisions. Fog can reduce visibility, preventing motorists from seeing other vehicles clearly. Ice, snow, or rain can make the roads more slippery, which leads to cars skidding or colliding with others.
Seek The Help of Our Car Accident Lawyers In New Haven
Most car crashes happen quickly, yet the consequences of vehicle accident injuries can be tragic and lasting. If you have been injured in a collision, get in touch with a New Haven auto accident lawyer. We can assist you with your case and help you collect the compensation you deserve.
Contact our New Haven Car Accident Lawyers today.
