In the chaotic moments following a Cincinnati car accident, determining who was at fault may seem like a straightforward task. However, the process of determining liability can quickly become a tangled web of conflicting statements, incomplete evidence, and competing interests, leaving victims struggling to prove their case.
Factors such as weather conditions, road maintenance, and vehicle malfunctions can further complicate the issue, making it crucial to conduct a thorough investigation. A car accident attorney in Cincinnati, OH can provide the resources and expertise necessary to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Who Might Be Liable for a Car Accident?
Liability in a car accident can extend beyond the drivers involved. In some cases, external people or entities may share responsibility for the collision. These parties may include:
- The other driver, if their negligence or recklessness caused the accident
- The government, if poor road design, inadequate maintenance, or missing signage contributed to the crash
- A car manufacturer, if a defective vehicle or faulty part played a role in the accident
- An employer, if the at-fault driver was operating a company vehicle or acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the collision
Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential after a car accident. Knowing who was responsible can help guide your path to compensation following a crash. For example, if another driver was at fault, you could pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against them. If a manufacturer defect was responsible, you could file a product liability claim.
Tactics That Can Help Determine Liability in a Collision
Investigating a car accident is a complex undertaking that can require significant resources. In these situations, it is best to work with a lawyer. Car accident attorneys employ various strategies and gather evidence from multiple sources to establish liability.
These tactics may include:
- Reviewing police reports and accident scene photographs
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and obtaining their statements
- Analyzing traffic camera footage or surveillance videos from nearby businesses
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events leading up to the crash
- Examining vehicle damage and debris patterns to determine the sequence of events
- Investigating the at-fault driver’s background, including their driving record and any previous accidents or violations
What If Multiple Parties Are at Fault for the Accident?
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for a car accident. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws, the degree to which you were at fault for the accident will determine if and how much compensation you will be allowed to receive. If you were more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, then you may not be eligible to recover damages at all.
However, if your share of fault is 50 percent or less, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 30 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000.
Work with Monge & Associates Today and Build Your Case
At Monge & Associates, our attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather critical evidence, and prove liability. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to receive. Contact us today at (513) 224-5591 or toll-free at (888) 302-7176 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our dedicated car accident lawyers.