When would I not be at fault for a car accident?
In the car insurance world, exclusive liability is considered when it relates to car accident.
Whilst there are a number of other scenarios whereby your car can be damaged through no fault of your own, ranging fromsevere weather to vandalism – damage of this kind is usually covered by your full comprehensive car insurance, but you may still have to pay an excess.
When 2 or more cars are involved in an accident, the percentage of liability can be shared between the two parties, and this is known as a split liability settlement.
However, there are some occurences in which only 1 driver is likely to be considered completely at fault.
Admitting guilt at the scene.
In the aftermath of any vehicle accident, if Driver A says something like, “I didn’t see you” or even apologises to Driver B in the presence of witnesses, courts will consider this to be an admission of liability and Driver A will automatically be found at fault.
Intoxication.
Fault will be assigned to a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if the other driver is not intoxicated.
Getting rear-ended by another vehicle.
If someone runs into the back of your vehicle, they will always be considered at fault.
Failing to obey a Stop sign.
If you can prove that the other driver neglected to give right of way and you were driving legally, they can be found at fault, unless there was a course of action you could have taken in an effort to prevent the accident, such as applying the brakes or swerving.
Running a red light.
If another driver collides with you because they failed to obey a traffic light, they will be found at fault.
Again, if you had the opportunity of trying to prevent the accident, but failed to do so, you may be liable for contributing to the accident due to negligence.
