Determining who is at fault in a car accident is essential to deciding who will pay for any damage caused by the accident. In general, the person at fault is the person whose negligence caused the accident, and this is the person who must typically pay for the damages.
Determining Fault with Car Accident Damage
The location of damage on a vehicle can say a lot about the accident. However, there are clear cases and then there are other, less straightforward scenarios. Damage on the car’s passenger side is usually a sign that the other driver is at fault, especially if the other car shows front-end damage. For example, the driver may have pulled out of a driveway without looking or ran a red light. Location of the damage on the vehicles can also provide proof of a rear-end collision. This can be seen if the back of one car is damaged along with the front of the other. In most cases, a driver who hits another car from behind is at fault. Likewise, in a left turn accident, if there is damage on the front-end of one car and on the front-right side of the other, the car making the left turn is typically regarded at fault. In other car accidents, determining fault by car accident damage can be more difficult. It may then be necessary to consult with an accident reconstruction expert. An accident reconstruction expert can help determine fault by closely examining the car accident damage. These experts have specific knowledge of physics, dynamics, and engineering. Accident reconstruction experts who specialize in vehicles may obtain debris measurements, create models, and, even, re-create accidents in their effort to understand a vehicular accident.Other Factors in Determining Fault For A Vehicle Accident
Car accident damage is not the only factor these experts examine to determine fault. According to the American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI), experts investigate issues such as:- Steering wheel angles
- Headlights
- Anti-lock braking systems
- Sudden acceleration
- Crashworthiness
- Point of impact