Highway car accidents in Bothell can be devastating—and a recurring theme in car accident trials is fault. Each party involved comes up with their own theory as to why they are not responsible for the accident or why the other party is more responsible. In certain cases, the state or local government can be held responsible for the accident.
If you have recently been involved in a highway car accident with a negligent driver, consider contacting the experienced car accident attorneys at Libbey Law Offices, LLC, for assistance with your case.
The Role of Road Conditions in Highway Car Accident Cases
A consultation with an attorney about a car accident will involve various questions about the day of the accident, your health and wellness, and any damages that occurred. One of those questions may concern the conditions of the highway. The presence of hazardous materials or the road design may permit you to claim that the State or the local government is responsible for the accident.
Governmental entities must maintain highways to ensure the safety of both in-state and out-of-state drivers. If they fail to do so in Bothell, they can be held liable for highway accidents resulting from their negligence.
There are numerous ways a government entity can neglect this duty. For example, a highway accident may result from improperly installed or poorly maintained guardrails and signs or from inadequate cleanup at a road construction site.
Because there are so many possibilities as to why a highway car accident occurred, it is best to discuss the details of your case with an attorney. In addition to knowledge and experience, the attorneys at Libbey Law Offices can use your point of view to reconstruct the scene of the accident.
Legal Claims for Highway Car Accidents
In Bothell, highway car accident claims are typically based on negligence. This involves suing the other driver for operating their vehicle unreasonably. To succeed in a negligence claim, you must establish four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Duty
This first element establishes that the other driver had a legal obligation to operate their vehicle reasonably. Depending on the details of your accident, there are additional obligations that the other driver may have owed to you, as well.
Breach
This element establishes that the other driver failed to operate their vehicle in a reasonable manner. Therefore, that driver breached their duty to you.
Causation
This element establishes that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the other driver’s conduct and the highway accident, as well as a legal justification for holding the other driver responsible. In the course of representation, a licensed Bothell attorney can explain these elements and how they relate to your highway accident case if there is any confusion.
Damages
The final element establishes that there are some injuries because of the accident. Injuries can include physical harm and/or property damage. This element permits your attorney to show the direct and indirect consequences of the accident.
After your attorney makes a negligence claim, they will have to address defenses to your claim. Defenses are arguments that the other driver and their attorney will make to absolve themselves of responsibility for the accident.
Defenses to Highway Car Accident Claims
One common defense to car accident claims is comparative fault. This defense means that the other driver claims that you contributed to the accident and should take some responsibility for its occurrence. This should not cause you to worry—we can guide you through this process.
Discuss Your Highway Car Accident Case With a Bothell Attorney
Libbey Law Offices, LLC offers assistance for all accident-related needs, including highway car accidents in Bothell. Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate the legal process alone—contact us today for a free consultation, and let us advocate for your rights.