The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration notes that in 2013 alone, over 2 million people were injured in vehicle crashes. These incidents occurred in a number of different circumstances, weather conditions and roadway conditions. Determining who was at fault is a part of every vehicle accident report. Here are four situations in which the other driver is generally considered at fault for the accident.
#1 Rear-End Collision
If your vehicle is hit from the rear, it is generally considered the other driver’s fault, because he or she should have been giving themselves sufficient room to stop at all times and should have been ready to apply the brakes in any potentially hazardous situation. Even if the driver in front stops abruptly, the other driver is responsible for preventing a collision by not following too closely behind another driver.
#2 Broadside Collision at Intersection
The broadside collision, often called “T-boning,” generally occurs when you are driving across an intersection, and another driver fails to stop, as indicated, at the junction. Because the other driver failed to stop according to traffic signs or lights, he or she is at fault. These incidents often produce severe injuries. If you are in a car accident and experience an injury due to the actions of another driver, contact a Pocatello personal injury law firm or one in your area to discuss your case and your legal remedies under the law.
#3 Driver Entering Highway Hits Your Car
If you are on a controlled access highway and are hit by a car entering the highway from an entrance lane, the other driver is at fault. It is generally considered the entering driver’s fault because he or she is responsible for entering safely.
#4 Stopped Vehicle, Hit From Rear
Another type of crash occurs when a vehicle is stopped either on the road or on the shoulder of the road. The stop may be caused by a mechanical problem, a deliberate stop to unload passengers or simply by being parked. The other driver may fail to see the stopped vehicle in bad weather conditions or may be distracted. The other driver is usually considered at fault by failing to stop his or her car before it strikes your vehicle.
If you are involved in any one of these accident situations while driving, you are not considered to be at fault and should not be ticketed. If you sustain an injury in an accident, get medical care immediately and talk to an attorney to determine your rights under the law.
