Los Angeles Car Accidents: Both Drivers At Fault
If you have found yourself in a Los Angeles car accident, but you know that, on some level, you are partially at fault for the accident, you may assume that you cannot recover any damages or compensation for your injuries and property damage. Because California is a state that follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, you can still recover for the losses and injuries you have suffered. Comparative negligence states apply a formula wherein a percentage of fault is assigned to each driver involved in the accident, and award damages minimized by the percentage of fault attributed to the driver. A good illustrative example would be if you were ten percent at fault for the accident, and the other driver ninety percent at fault, and the total award in damages was $200,000.00, you would receive $180,000.00 in damages. Though your total amount in damages may be minimized, you can still receive your just compensation.
Keep in mind, however, that even if you know you are partially at fault for a Los Angeles car accident, you should not admit any fault right away, either to the insurance company or the at fault driver. Though you will likely still receive compensation under a theory of comparative negligence, these matters are always more complicated than they may first appear, and divulging to much information to a party against whom you wish to file a claim would be a mistake, especially if you do so without the guidance and counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer or car accident attorney. The personal injury and auto accident lawyers at California Attorney Group are highly experienced; working on car accident cases every day on behalf of Plaintiffs like you, and know how to handle any case within that purview that may arise. Comparative negligence cases are never easy, but our highly skilled lawyers will know exactly what you can expect from your case should you decide to pursue a claim or negotiate a settlement. If you have any questions about comparative negligence, or just the particulars of the Los Angeles auto accident you found yourself in, you can contact us for a free consultation to discuss next steps, and examine the best way to optimize chances for receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us toll free at (866) 650-0505 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 650-0505 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
