Can I Still Get Compensation For A Car Accident In Monterey If I Am Partially At Fault?
Car accidents in Monterey are complex events. Negligence on the part of other drivers is often the primary cause, but there are likely other factors involved. Road, weather, and traffic conditions can all increase the risks, and your own behavior on the road may have been partially responsible. Our Monterey car accident lawyer explains that, under California law, you still have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
Ways You May Be Partially At Fault For A Monterey Car Accident
Car crashes and collisions in Monterey pose major risks to residents and often result in devastating personal injuries. Reckless and negligent behavior on the part of one of the drivers involved is often responsible. Examples include distracted driving, driving under the influence, running red lights or stop signs, and going over the speed limit.
When an accident happens and you are injured due to the negligence of another motorist, you have the right to hold them liable for the damages you suffer. In many cases, insurance policies in place can help cover your costs.
Unfortunately, your claim may be denied if you are deemed to be even partially at fault for the crash or the injuries suffered as a result. Examples of this include:
- You were distracted at the time;
- You were not wearing a seat belt;
- You failed to look all ways before entering an intersection;
- You pulled out in front of another driver.
Even if you were not in any way to blame for the crash, insurers are good at twisting your words to make it seem that you are admitting liability. If your claim is denied, you may still have the right to file a car accident lawsuit through the Monterey County Civil Court.
Get Compensation For Your Injuries
California is a pure comparative negligence. This means that, under the California Civil Code, you are entitled to compensation for injuries you suffer in a car accident in Monterey, even if you are partially to blame. However, the amount you are entitled to is reduced by the percent a judge determines you to be at fault. For example:
- You are injured in a crash and suffer losses totaling $100,000;
- You are determined to be 25 percent at fault;
- The other driver is ordered to pay you $75,000, which represents the 75 percent of the crash for which they were to blame.
Be aware that while you may be entitled to compensation in this type of situation, filing this type of claim is challenging. Our Monterey car accident lawyers can investigate, gather evidence, and take whatever legal actions are needed to hold the other driver responsible.
Request A Consultation With Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyer
Even if you are partially at fault for a crash, you may still be entitled to compensation for car accident injuries in Monterey. To protect your rights in a claim, call or contact the Allen Law Firm online and request a consultation with our Monterey car accident lawyer.
Sources:
monterey.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1714
