Determining who is at fault for a car accident in California can be a highly complex legal process that involves consideration of various robust evidence, such as police reports, medical reports, and video footage of the crash scene. If you have been accused of causing a car accident, this can have various negative repercussions, such as having to pay unreasonable claims. Therefore, you should know the answer to, “What happens if I am at fault in a car accident in California?”
If an insurance provider or legal claim states that you were at fault for a California car accident, it is critical to understand the information and steps you can take to defend your rights and interests. A Fontana car accident attorney from Karlin & Karlin can assist you in the process.
Right After the Accident: Immediate Steps to Take
If you have been in a car accident in California and believe that you caused it, there are immediate steps you can take to protect your rights and interests. Directly after the accident, you should move your car and passengers out of any imminent danger and call law enforcement if damages or injuries have occurred. Be sure to collect all other drivers’ contact information, insurance information, and driver’s registration.
Thoroughly gather evidence of the crash scene, including photos and videos, as well as notes of what happened. Avoid making any statements that admit fault or implicate yourself in causing the car accident. It is important to collect as much evidence as possible and let your insurance company decide who was at fault.
Understanding the At-Fault Insurance System in California
Who should pay for California car accidents is based on the state’s at-fault insurance laws. At-fault insurance laws say that whoever is responsible for causing a California car accident should be held liable for paying the other party’s accident damages. Damages the at-fault driver may be held accountable for include pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.
In determining whether you are at fault for a car accident in California, various pieces of evidence may be considered by insurance companies or the courts. If the other party’s damages are less than your insurance premium, they will likely try to first recover compensation through your insurance company. While your insurance company may be able to cover all the damages, this can cost you in the form of increased premium hikes in the long run.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Influence Your Case Outcomes
If another party is attempting to recover compensation through your insurance company for their accident damages, working with an experienced California car accident lawyer is highly recommended. They can assess all of the details associated with your case, including the parties involved and subsequent evidence, to determine whether you were indeed at fault for the accident.
If a third party was also responsible for contributing to your accident, an attorney could advocate for you to pay a smaller proportion of the accident damages based on your degree of fault. If the car accident lawyer can prove that you were not at fault for the accident and that it was another party, they can help you pursue the compensation that you are entitled to.
An experienced car accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf by considering all of the evidence proving who is at fault for what and the full extent of the damages to come up with a fair and reasonable amount that you should pay for the accident. By minimizing your liabilities, they can help you avoid paying unreasonable amounts and related collateral consequences with your insurance company.
Whether the other driver is pursuing compensation through your insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit, an experienced car accident lawyer can advocate fiercely on your behalf to ensure that you only pay what you’re responsible for.
FAQs About Fault in a Car Accident in California
What Should I Do Immediately After a CA Car Accident If I Am at Fault?
If you are at fault for a California car accident, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and that of others. Immediately pull over your car to avoid any further dangerous situations and check yourself and others for injuries. If there are any injuries or significant damages, call 911 to report the accident and receive necessary medical assistance. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
What Is Comparative Negligence in California?
In California, the comparative negligence rule dictates who should pay for damages in an accident. As California is an at-fault state, this means that the individual who was found to be primarily at fault for an accident, such as a car accident, will be responsible for paying the damages. If another party is partially responsible, however, the at-fault party will only be held accountable for paying a proportion of the damages.
Will My CA Insurance Premiums Increase If I Am at Fault?
If you were found to be at fault for a California car accident, your insurance premiums may increase. The amount that your insurance premiums may increase depends on various factors, including your insurance provider, the accident’s severity, and your general driving history. An experienced car insurance lawyer can help you understand the collateral consequences of your car accident case and help you pursue relief.
Can I Be Sued If I Am at Fault for a Car Accident in California?
Yes, if you were found to be at fault for a car accident in California, the other driver may be legally authorized to sue you for damages, especially if the value of their damages is higher than your insurance coverage limits. They may be able to sue you for damages such as pain and suffering, property damages, medical expenses, and lost income. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and interests and fight for a fair outcome.
Work Towards a Just Car Accident Resolution With a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been accused of causing a car accident in California, you are likely fearful of the subsequent repercussions, such as increased insurance premiums and having to pay unreasonable amounts in a claim. Thankfully, an experienced car accident lawyer from Karlin & Karlin can fiercely defend your rights and interests, working to fight for an equitable outcome to ensure you are not unreasonably paying more than is reasonable. Contact us today.
