When Careless Drivers Pass the Blame

 Posted on June 20, 2022 in Car Accidents

Drivers who have just caused an accident are often quick to blame anyone or anything but themselves. One common scapegoat is the weather. Another is the road itself. A negligent driver may even attempt to claim that the accident was all your fault when it was clearly on them. If the negligent driver who caused your car accident is trying to put the blame on anyone but themselves, you may worry about how it will affect your case. In most cases, it will not. Drivers are expected to adjust their driving to match the conditions of the road they are on. If it is you that they are trying to pass the blame to, you may have a bit more of a challenge, but a prompt investigation can help reveal the truth. Our attorneys will strive to help you make sure the right party is held accountable.

Road Conditions Negligent Drivers May Blame for an Accident

When road conditions are adverse, drivers should adjust the manner in which they drive to reduce the odds of a crash. If you hear the other driver blaming one of these conditions, they are highly unlikely to escape liability for doing so:

• Weather - Rain, snow, and ice make the road slippery. This does not mean that drivers are not liable if they skid into someone. Drivers should slow down, increase their following distance, and start stopping earlier to compensate for slick roadways.
• Hills and curves - Drivers should be aware that hills and curves can interfere with their ability to see into the distance. When approaching the top of a hill or the center of a curve, drivers should be prepared for the possibility that other cars may come into view.
• Lane closures - If a lane is closed off, drivers should cooperate with others and merge. Some drivers who attempt to “cut the line” will claim that they did not know their lane was ending - this is not an excuse for causing a crash.

In the rare event that a road or its signage is truly designed or maintained in a way that is unreasonably dangerous even for cautious drivers, it may be possible to file a claim against the governing body responsible for the problems.

If the Driver At Fault Blames You

If the accident was in fact partially your fault, you may still be able to recover compensation. As long as you were less than 50% to blame, the other driver is not off the hook, however, the amount you receive will be reduced in proportion to the share of the accident that was your fault.

However, if the other driver is lying, the truth is likely to come out. The sooner an investigation can take place, the more evidence your attorney is likely to find at the crash site. Things like tire tracks and the location of broken glass or pieces of a vehicle can be very significant. You will need to call an attorney as quickly as you can so they can begin preserving evidence.

Contact a Lake County Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured by a careless driver, Salvi & Maher, LLP may be able to help you recover damages. Our skilled Waukegan car accident attorneys can begin our investigation as soon as we hear from you. Call 847-662-3303 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/safety-tips-for-driving-in-bad-weather