In certain types of car accidents, determining liability isn’t very complicated. For instance, in a left turn accident, it is almost always the driver who made the left turn that is at fault. And in a rear-end accident, it is usually the driver who strikes the vehicle from behind.
Injuries from these types of accidents can be serious, especially when a smaller vehicle strikes a large one, such as a truck. Take a recent rear-end crash that occurred in the Bronx.
The driver of a sedan struck the back of a box truck while heading south on Hutchinson River Parkway. The driver and a passenger of the sedan were in critical condition when taken to a hospital. It wasn’t clear in media reports whom was at fault for the accident, but the accident demonstrates the potential seriousness of these accidents.
Proving Fault in a Rear-End or Left Turn Accident
When it comes to establishing fault in a rear-end accident, what is generally taken into consideration is the fact that those who are traveling behind a vehicle should be at a safe enough distance that should a sudden stop be necessary, it won’t result in a collision.
Of course, there could be some exceptions to this. Let’s say the vehicle in front didn’t have working brake lights, so the driver behind that vehicle wasn’t alerted right away that the car in front of it was slamming on its breaks.
There is a presumption of fault in left turn accidents as well. That’s because those who are making left turns should only do so when it’s clear and safe to make the turn.
Again, there could be some exceptions to this. An example would be if an oncoming vehicle was speeding. However, any kind of exception is usually very difficult to prove because of the location of damage on the vehicles.
When there are uncertainties about who is liable in a crash, it can be beneficial to seek legal counsel. The law firm of Gacovino, Lake & Associates can evaluate the details of an accident case, collect evidence, and help build the case to establish fault and liability.
