Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Bothell can help you minimize your risk. If an accident does happen, the cause will help you determine who is at fault, which will affect your options for getting compensation. If someone else is responsible for your accident, you may be able to sue them. If environmental conditions or your own errors cause an accident, you probably will not be able to receive compensation. Consulting with a skilled car accident attorney is a good idea if you believe someone else was responsible for your car accident. The attorney will help you determine whether you have a strong case.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of car wrecks in Bothell involve driver error or carelessness. These include distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding. Accidents are more common at night when visibility is limited. Rain and other adverse weather conditions reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Reckless driving behaviors, such as running stop signs or red lights, failing to yield, and changing lanes without signaling, further increase the risk of accidents. Fatigue impairs reaction times, raising the likelihood of errors that lead to collisions. Poorly maintained roads, including potholes and other hazards, also contribute to accidents.
How Does the Cause of a Car Accident Affect Options for Compensation?
Who was at fault for an accident will determine what the injured person’s options are for covering their expenses. The state uses an at-fault insurance system, which means the responsible driver’s insurance pays for any medical or car repair expenses for others involved in an accident. If someone else caused the car accident in Bothell, their insurance will pay for at least some of the injured person’s expenses. If the injured person’s expenses exceed the other driver’s insurance limits, they might only receive the insurance maximum. The injured person also has the option to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit goes through the court system instead of working directly with the other driver’s insurance company.
If weather is the primary cause of an accident, the injured person’s insurance may cover some expenses, depending on their policy. However, compensation for pain and suffering or other intangible losses is unavailable, regardless of injury severity. If poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the Washington State Department of Transportation or Bothell city government may be liable. Local and state governments are responsible for maintaining safe roads, and failure to do so can result in liability for injuries caused by hazardous conditions.
Discuss the Cause of Your Bothell Car Accident Case With a Lawyer
The common causes of car accidents in Bothell can all come with different options for receiving compensation. If you have been injured in an accident, a personal injury lawyer could provide valuable guidance. If it is unclear who was at fault for your accident, one way your lawyer could help is by reconstructing the accident scene. This can provide valuable evidence that helps you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Libbey Law to discuss your car accident case today.