Will I Be Sued If an Auto Accident Was My Fault and the Other Party Was Injured?

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Will I Be Sued If an Auto Accident Was My Fault and the Other Party Was Injured?

If you’re at fault in an accident and somebody else gets hurt, it’s a terrible feeling. The first thing you think about is getting help for anybody who is injured. But the next thing on your mind is likely the legal ramifications. Most incidents are resolved with insurance, but you could be sued in a few situations. Here are some reasons somebody might decide to see you if they were injured in an accident that you were at fault for. If somebody does sue you, it’s important to hire an attorney as soon as possible so that you have the best chance when you go to court.

Reckless Behavior

If you were engaged in any form of reckless behavior, it might be grounds for somebody to sue you. Excessive speeding can be seen as reckless behavior. So can driving while drinking or under the influence of drugs. Even distracted driving, such as looking at your phone or another device, can be seen as reckless behavior in the eyes of the law. This is not a complete list of things that can be considered reckless behavior but it might give you an idea of some of the things you might have to worry about if you were engaged in such behavior.

Negligence

Negligence is typically anything that involves abandoning the implied duty to your fellow humans. For instance, let’s say you caused an accident that resulted in injuries and then left the scene or didn’t call for help. Either of those things could be seen as exhibiting negligence. If you show a lack of regard for those who are injured, that’s a problem. Any time you could have provided care but either refused to do so or just didn’t do so, you can almost be sure that a negligence claim will be filed against you.

Other Reasons

If you were driving without headlights or exhibited suspicious behavior, those could be factors that lead someone to sue you. If there were contributing factors that you could have controlled, such as failure to wear the proper corrective lenses or driving with sunglasses in the dark, those could be seen as reckless, negligent, or just irresponsible behavior. Any time minors are involved, your situation worsens, as well.

No Insurance

Driving without insurance is probably the best way to get sued. It shows disregard for the law and for the safety of others, at least from a legal standpoint. Not only is having car insurance mandatory in most states, it’s also important because that’s how most driving-related incidents are taken care of. If you don’t have any insurance, the injured party’s insurance company might want to take legal action against you because they’re being left with the brunt of the financial responsibility.

If you think you’ll be sued due to an accident, it’s important to get an attorney as soon as possible. Only an experienced, qualified attorney can help you craft the best defense and present your case in a court of law. The legal system is intentionally complex and confusing for the average citizen. That’s why law schools exist. Get a consultation as soon as possible and take the first steps towards defending your freedom and your future.

 

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