Driving a car is a great luxury that many Californians enjoy daily. It helps provide freedom and flexibility that make it possible to see family, commute to work, or explore the golden state for fun. However, as much as we rely on our cars, they can also be extremely dangerous. The rules of the road are in place to help keep everyone safe, but accidents can still happen, even when everyone is following the rules.
When an accident does occur, it’s important to know how fault will be determined. The rules can vary from state to state, but in California, specific regulations must be followed. These rules are known as the California Car Accident Fault Determination Rules and were put in place to help make the process of determining fault as fair and easy to understand as possible.
How Are Car Accidents Governed in California?
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Crash
What Is Changing in 2022?
The California Car Accident Fault Determination Rules are set to change in 2022. The new rules are based on a system of comparative fault. Each driver will be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions. For example, if one driver was speeding and the other driver failed to yield, they may each be assigned 50% fault. However, if one driver was speeding and the other driver was not paying attention, the speeding driver could be assigned 70% fault and the other driver 30% fault. The changes to the fault determination rules are designed to make the process of determining fault fairer and easier to understand.
It is important to note that these new rules will not apply to accidents that occur before January of 2022. The old fault determination rules will still apply if you are involved in a car accident before that date. To determine where your eligibility for coverage lies, it is always best to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.