Everybody makes mistakes. If you were partially to blame for a car accident that resulted in injuries to your body, know that you still have rights and may have opportunities available that will allow you to recover compensation.
Chances are that you’re replaying the moments leading to the accident “on loop” in your head. Maybe you were mentally composing a stressful email you had to send later. Maybe you took your eyes off the road for a split second to adjust the radio or turned around to scold your kids in the back seat. Whatever the reason(s) for the accident, know that it remains important to explore your legal options at this time. The experienced legal team at John K. Zaid & Associates can help to clarify your rights as an injury victim and can help you explore all legal options available to you at this time.
Don’t Admit Fault to Anyone But Your Attorney
This sounds contrary to what many learned as children when their parents taught them to “say sorry.” However, taking responsibility immediately after the accident or apologizing to the other drivers may cause you problems later. Drivers involved in a crash are often so shaken up that they may admit fault even when they aren’t guilty at all. When speaking to the officer on scene or later to your insurance agent, don’t lie, but rather state only the facts as you witnessed them.
If you truly believe you are partially or entirely at fault, the best thing to do is find an attorney with whom to share your concerns. It is possible that your belief that you are partially to blame for what happened to you is mistaken. Even if it isn’t mistaken, an experienced Houston, TX car accident lawyer can help you to navigate your part in the accident without compromising the strength of your case.
Know That Multiple Parties May Be Involved in the Determination
Depending on the complexity of the incident, how many drivers were involved, and whether all of them are insured, the final determination of fault will likely be made by one or several of the following entities:
- The insurance agencies of the various drivers
- An arbitrator that can step in when insurers don’t agree
- A judge and jury, in the unlikely event the case is taken to court
- Law enforcement officers on scene and the report they file
No matter which of these parties you end up dealing with, make sure to always keep your story and the facts straight.
Remember You May Be Partially at Fault Without Being Entirely at Fault
There is a standard followed by many states called “comparative negligence” or “comparative fault.” In this case, if multiple drivers were involved in the wreck, the responsibility, and therefore compensation, can be assigned by percentage. For instance, if a judge or insurer decides you were 30% responsible for what happened, you would receive 70% of the compensation value of the case from the other at-fault party.
The aftermath of an accident can be daunting and complicated. If you suspect you may be partially to blame in a recent incident, consult with a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the process as successfully as possible.