Knowing whether you were at fault for a fatal car accident can be a tricky affair. Nonetheless, some signs point toward the guilt of one driver over another.
What follows are a few reasons why you may be responsible for a collision.
1. You receive a traffic citation
The word of an officer holds weight in the eyes of the law. A judge will view a ticket as proof that you are at fault. Those who run a red light, exceed the speed limit or make unsafe lane changes should expect to get a violation.
2. You hit a car from behind
The expectation is that drivers watch out for those in front of them. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. If you hit a vehicle from behind, that is a sign of maintaining an improper distance.
3. You admit fault
The words you use have a legal impact. Never say anything at the scene of the accident that indicates you bear the blame. Your words are bound to resurface during court proceedings.
Likewise, avoid talking about the event on social media. Even innocent comments can point toward you being responsible for the wreck.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has many shocking statistics. 2019 has a reported 831 crash-related deaths in Virginia. The District of Columbia reports 23, whereas Maryland maintains responsibility for 521. These statistics show that serious collisions and their causes remain a legal concern.
Drive with caution and avoid liability for a roadway mishap.