How Do You Know Who Was At Fault In a Car Accident?
A car accident happens in the blink of an eye and can leave you feeling helpless – especially when it wasn’t your fault. However, Missouri is an at-fault state. This means whoever caused your accident is liable to pay for your injuries and damages from the collision. Missouri residents must carry a minimum liability coverage through their insurance provider. So, how do you know who is at fault for your accident?
Your insurance company establishes fault by determining which driver was careless or negligent leading up to your accident. Here are some ways a driver could be at fault for an accident.
Common Types of Negligence Leading to Accident
- Driving under the influence (DUI). Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and potentially deadly form of negligence that significantly impairs a motorist’s ability to drive. Intoxicated drivers often exhibit slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and compromised motor skills, making them more prone to causing accidents.
- Distracted driving. This occurs when a driver diverts attention from the road, usually by texting, eating or drinking, or adjusting the radio. This negligence compromises a driver’s focus and reaction time, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Speeding. Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions commonly contributes to accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s time to react to unforeseen events and increases the severity of a collision’s impact.
- Aggressive driving. Aggressive driving involves tailgating, excessive speeding, and frequent lane changes. This can escalate tensions on the road and lead to hazardous situations. Aggressive drivers often take unnecessary risks, putting themselves and others at an increased risk of accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance. Neglecting regular vehicle maintenance, such as brake checks, tire rotations, and fluid changes, can result in mechanical failures that lead to accidents. Defective brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning lights compromise a vehicle’s overall safety, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
- Disobeying traffic laws. Disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, and other road rules is a blatant form of negligence. Failing to adhere to these laws endangers the driver and poses a significant risk to others. Traffic laws are designed to ensure a smooth and safe traffic flow, and violating them can have severe consequences.
When to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
It is best to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident due to someone else’s negligence. While no two collisions are the same, all car accidents have the potential to cause significant losses and damage, causing immense stress and uncertainty. Insurance companies take advantage of your vulnerable state and try to minimize your claim to keep more money in their pockets.
Fortunately, car accident lawyers are well-versed in insurance companies’ tactics and will stand up for you. Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no fees upfront unless they win their case. We don’t get paid until you do at The Goss Law Firm. Speak with us for free today.
Compassionate Missouri Car Accident Attorneys
When you’re hurt in a car accident due to someone else’s wrongdoing, navigating the insurance claims process as you try to recover can feel like an uphill battle. Too much is at stake if you go through it alone, but fortunately, you don’t have to. At The Goss Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help you during this difficult time and ready to win you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to by law.
Contact us today by submitting a contact form or calling our office at 816-888-5000 for a free legal consultation.
