Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving drivers and passengers shaken. Determining who is at fault is one of the most important aspects of any car accident claim. In Nevada, fault is often assessed based on the location and pattern of damage to the vehicles involved. This information can help you understand who may be responsible for the crash and damages.
Car Accident Determining Fault by Location of Damage
After a car accident, determining fault by location of damage starts with evaluating where the vehicles collided. Certain damage patterns often indicate how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Understanding these patterns can be crucial in your claim or defense.
For instance, rear-end collisions typically point to the rear driver being at fault. This is because the law mandates that drivers maintain a safe following distance. If your vehicle is hit from behind, it usually means the other driver was following too closely or failed to stop in time. Similarly, in side-impact accidents, damage to the side of a vehicle often indicates the other driver failed to yield or ignored traffic signals.
The location of damage tells the story of how the accident unfolded and helps insurance companies and lawyers establish fault. In Nevada, fault can significantly affect how much compensation you receive or are responsible for, as Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
Knowing how to interpret damage patterns can give insight into your accident and help your attorney build a strong case.
How to Tell Who Sideswiped Who by Damage
Sideswipe accidents can be more challenging to assess than rear-end collisions, but understanding the location and extent of damage can still help determine who sideswiped who. In most cases, sideswipes happen when one vehicle drifts out of its lane or fails to check blind spots while changing lanes.
To determine fault in these cases, looking at the damage patterns on both vehicles is essential. Suppose Sam and Sue were in a sideswipe crash, and Sam’s vehicle had damage on its side toward the rear. This damage may indicate that Sue failed to maintain her lane and sideswiped Sam. Conversely, if the front of Joe’s vehicle and the side of Jane’s is damaged, it could suggest that Joe was responsible for sideswiping Jane’s car.
It is sometimes more complex, and sometimes, you need an expert to assess the damage before accurately determining fault. But these are common damages that indicate crash patterns as stated.
In Nevada, proving fault in sideswipe accidents includes this type of analysis, along with a review of witness statements, surveillance footage, and traffic reports. Working with a lawyer familiar with Nevada’s laws can make the process smoother and help protect your rights during the claims process.
How to Tell Who Hit Whom in a Car Accident
Knowing how to tell who hit whom in a car accident starts with identifying key damage points on both vehicles. Accidents can be chaotic, but the damage left behind often indicates how the cars collided. In Nevada, police reports and accident scene investigations use this damage to piece together the sequence of events.
For example, if Jeff’s vehicle has front-end damage and Jim’s has side or rear damage, it usually suggests that Jeff struck Jim. T-bone accidents, where one car hits the side of another, are common in intersections and are often caused by a driver running a red light or stop sign. In these cases, the vehicle with the side damage is usually not at fault, as the side damage indicates that they were hit by the other driver failing to obey traffic rules.
However, each accident is unique; exceptions can be based on road conditions or other factors.
Do You Have Questions for an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were recently involved in an accident and have questions about who may be liable for the collision and your resulting injuries, reach out to the dedicated Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Friedman Injury Law. We have decades of combined experience aggressively pursuing maximum compensation on behalf of our clients and their loved ones. We understand the challenges your family is facing in the wake of a serious accident, and we strive to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. To schedule a free consultation today, call Friedman Injury Law or connect with one of our lawyers by completing our secure online contact form.
Blake S. Friedman, Esq. is a personal injury lawyer helping those in Las Vegas, Nevada. Blake was born and raised right here in Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up watching his father, a battle-hardened lawyer, fight for his clients’ justice in the Clark County court system.