Proving Fault: Car Accidents and Citations
Car accidents are a common occurrence in the state of Utah. In fact, according to the Utah Department of Health, a crash occurs every 10 minutes and a fatal collision takes place every 36 hours.
One key question arises any time an accident takes place: who is at fault? A citation can help answer that question. If a driver was speeding, failed to yield, or committed another type of traffic violation, it may demonstrate negligence on his or her part. Car accident lawyer Lynn Harris can help prove fault in an auto accident lawsuit with this evidence.
Here, we discuss car accidents and citations. To find out if you have a case, contact our Salt Lake City, UT practice for a case review.
In Utah, Proving Fault is Necessary
In Utah, fault is determined based on negligence law. That is, whichever party was deemed to be negligent is responsible. As a comparative negligence state, no single party must be considered solely at fault, it can be both parties.
However, if a driver has been cited for speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence, he or she may be found 100 percent at fault. In this scenario, the liable party would be responsible for the entirety of the victim’s damages.
Citations Can Be Used to Help Prove Fault
It is essential to gather as much evidence as possible at the time of the accident as well as all pertinent information afterward. Citations are a valuable piece of evidence that can be presented in a lawsuit or to an insurance company to help prove the other driver was at fault.
A citation, more commonly referred to as a ticket, is a document written by a police officer that notifies a person that he or she has committed a traffic violation. Police do not always give citations at the scene of an accident, but they often will if they see evidence to warrant doing so. Citations can help show that the ticketed individual has acted negligently.
Types of Citations
Drivers can be cited for a variety of traffic violations, including:
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Driving on the shoulder
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Secure Compensation
The insurance company for the at-fault driver will do as much as they can to give as little as they can to the person injured in a car accident. That is why it is essential to hire an experienced auto accident attorney. Without one, you might not receive the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Lynn Harris is well-versed in investigating the causes of auto accidents and using evidence, including traffic citations, to prove fault. He can help you secure the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injury.
Contact an Accident Lawyer
A car accident can have a lasting impact from a physical, financial, and emotional standpoint. Attorney Lynn Harris will ensure your rights are protected so you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury. To schedule a time for a case review, call (801) 521-3200 or (801) 375-9801 today.
