43% of first-year drivers are involved in a car accident. As a new driver, you may worry that you will join that 43% someday. If that ever happens, you need to understand car accident laws and how you should proceed.
Fortunately, we’ve composed this brief guide to help you out in such a difficult situation. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car accident laws before hitting the road.
Car Accident Laws
Car accident laws are in place to keep you and other drivers safe. There are a few factors that impact who is liable, or at fault, for car accidents. While some accidents only result in civil settlements through insurance agencies, there are some instances where a car accident results in a criminal case.
Car Accident Not at Fault
So, when are you not liable when you’re in a car accident? In some cases, it’s obvious. If someone rear-ends you because they were following too close, that’s on them.
But what if it wasn’t so clear-cut? What if you crashed during a lane change? Or what if they ran a red light and hit your car from behind?
In these situations, it’s important to know who is at fault for an accident. The good news is that there are laws in place to help determine liability. There are two main types of car crash laws that determine liability:
Contributory Negligence
Contributory negligence laws consider whether or not you contributed to causing your own car accident. So, if you were sitting at a stoplight and another driver crashed into your car, you did not contribute to the accident. Under contributory negligence, you are not held liable.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence car crash laws take into account both parties’ levels of responsibility for causing an accident. Comparative negligence laws are useful when more than one driver’s actions contribute to an accident.
If you’ve endured a lane change accident or another accident involving comparative negligence, you can contact justcallmoe.com. Moe will help you understand your liability and legal options.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Car Accident?
Your immediate actions following a car accident should involve ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers. If you can, pull off to the side of the road. Call for an ambulance right away if anyone is or thinks they may be hurt.
Next, report the accident to the police. Give the authorities your name, address, phone number, and license plate number of both vehicles involved in the crash.
Also, exchange insurance information with the other driver. Include the name on the policy, the policy number, and the insurance company. If you can, try to get contact information from any witnesses at the scene to help corroborate stories for insurance and criminal liability purposes.
Finally, take pictures of the accident, injuries, damages, and crime scene. These can also serve as evidence and help corroborate your story.
More Automotive Advice on the Go Motors Blog
New drivers should know car accident laws before hitting the road. But, driving isn’t all scary. Once you’ve accustomed yourself to new laws and safety tips, you may even find interest in driving as a hobby.
When that happens, Go Motors is here. Go Motors has been a trusted source for car news and advice since 1979. We cover everything from tips for buying and selling cars to auto shop and maintenance. Get more automotive content by checking out our other blog posts today!