What happens if I’m partially to blame for a crash?

The blame for Louisiana car accidents doesn’t always fall on one person or another. Often, a series of actions by each party involved can contribute to an accident, leading to each party holding some blame.

A partial fault car accident is common, but determining the fault of each party is not always straightforward. If you are involved in a car accident, no matter who is at fault, contact the Lake Charles car accident lawyers at The Johnson Firm to work with an experienced team with a proven record in recovering compensation for clients.

Know Louisiana’s laws

Louisiana law follows comparative fault rules, meaning that each individual involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. The law also provides the ability to seek compensation even if an individual holds most of the blame in an accident. For example, a driver in a car accident can be found 80% responsible for an accident but is still allowed to seek compensation for the 20% of damages they suffer.

Determining fault in Louisiana

Louisiana’s laws regarding car accidents are beneficial even for drivers who hold some responsibility in a partially at-fault car accident. However, determining fault can be challenging. It is the responsibility of each driver to prove the other driver involved in an accident acted negligently, resulting in the damages they experienced.

You cannot collect for the percentage of your own fault. If you are involved in a car accident, it is vital to remember that while you are offering proof of negligent behavior by the other driver, the other driver tries to prove your behavior was negligent. Proving fault is critical because it will help determine the amount of compensation each person receives. Collecting evidence is the best way to prove fault and increase your compensation.

Even more than the other driver, their insurance company wants to prove that you are more at fault in the accident. Reducing the percentage of blame for their customer is the best way to save money and cost you in recovery and compensation.

Evidence is essential

Evidence should paint a clear picture of the events of a partial fault car accident, so what should each driver collect to prove fault? Begin advocating for your rights at the scene of the accident. The information collected at a partial fault car accident can assist Lake Charles personal injury lawyers with any claims if insurance settlements do not cover all expenses.

Insurance companies may downplay the extent of the damages you suffer. And often, they may seem eager to help, offering a quick settlement for your injuries. This tactic allows for a claim to be closed before the full extent of the damages is realized, often costing individuals in a partial fault car accident.

Insurance coverage is required

The most critical factor in any car accident is that each person has insurance coverage. Without insurance coverage, your chances of receiving compensation, even if the other driver was mostly at fault, are severely limited. If you don’t have insurance, expect to pay fines, face the suspension of driving privileges, have your registration revoked, license plates canceled, and your car impounded.

Under Louisiana law, even if you prove the other driver was at fault if you do not have coverage, you cannot collect for the first $15,000 in injury damages and $25,000 in property damages.

There are exceptions to this rule. The Johnson Firm offers sound guidance to injured individuals in any Louisiana partial fault car accident.

Strong representation of people injured in partial-fault accidents

One of the most proven ways to protect your rights as a driver is by contacting the supportive team at The Johnson Firm. We are driven to help our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve under the law. Call (337) 433-1414 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online to begin the journey to compensation after a partial fault accident.