Have you ever wondered how insurance companies like Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc. determine who’s at fault for an accident? Imagine you’re driving along in San Francisco, CA, minding your own business, when suddenly a car slams into your passenger side door. You feel the other driver was to blame because they hit you, but you missed the stop sign. So, who’s at fault?
How is Fault Determined
There are two main ways authorities determine who is at fault for an auto accident — Proof of negligence and showing that a driver violated a statute.
To prove negligence means that the driver operated their car unsafely. For example, if you pull away from a curb, and another hits your vehicle, you could be found at fault because it’s reasonable to say you did not make sure the roadway was clear before you entered traffic.
Another example is a rear-end accident. It could be determined that you followed too closely, which is considered an unsafe operation of a vehicle.
Violation of a statute is determined by whether you adhered to traffic law or not. So, if you ran a red light or stop sign, you will likely be determined at fault for the auto accident.
Fault Through Comparative Negligence
Even if one party is determined at fault, the other could still carry some responsibility through comparative negligence. This means that both parties were found negligent. However, one party is more at fault than the other. Comparative negligence is usually determined by witness statements, law enforcement, and statements by the insured parties.
Auto insurance coverage can protect your assets if you’re found at fault in an auto accident. Call or stop by Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services, Inc., which services the San Francisco, CA area, to determine if you have enough coverage in the event of an accident.
