Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths each year, and these incidents generate billions in economic losses in the state. When you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, it is natural to have lots of pressing legal questions about how you can recover from the incident and recoup your financial damages. If another party caused the crash, one of your most important questions is how you can prove their fault.
Understanding California’s Fault Rule
Proving liability for a car accident is an essential first step in recovering your damages. The state upholds the fault rule for motor vehicle crashes, so the driver responsible for causing an accident absorbs liability for all the damages they inflicted on others with their actions. Recovery from a car accident is likely to begin with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, followed by a personal injury suit when insurance alone cannot compensate your damages. However, proving liability is essential before proceeding with either of these recovery efforts.
Every driver in the state is required to carry auto insurance, and this insurance comes into play whenever a policyholder causes an accident. However, dealing with insurance companies can be very stressful, and there is no guarantee that the driver who caused your recent accident will readily accept responsibility for their actions. Once you address the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you should speak with an attorney you can trust to help prove liability and secure maximum compensation for your damages.