Posted in Aggressive Driving,Car Accident,Distracted Driving,Drunk Driving,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on November 17, 2014
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Car Accidents?
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the most important thing to determine is who caused the accident. Often times, finding out who is responsible for the collision is a complicated process, as there may be multiple circumstances and parties to blame.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, it’s important to contact an experienced Cookeville car accident lawyer. At Matt Hardin Law, we’ve investigated many car accidents in the past, and we have the tools and the experience to determine who or what was responsible for causing your accident.
Potentially Liable Parties
Some of the most common liable parties after car accidents include:
In most auto accident cases caused by another party’s negligence, the other driver is usually the party considered to be at-fault for causing the accident. Whether he or she was speeding, driving while distracted, driving while under the influence, or driving recklessly, our Cookeville car accident attorneys can investigate the crash and determine the driver’s level of liability for your accident-related expenses.
Car manufacturers and assemblers are responsible for building vehicles that are safe to drive and operate under all normal weather conditions and driving habits. If a major component in a car fails, such as its steering capabilities, gas pedal, or brake system, that failure can lead to serious accidents and serious injuries. Automakers that release defective cars can be held responsible for your damages.
If the person who caused your accident is employed as a driver or otherwise works in a position that requires driving a company vehicle, his or her employer could share responsibility for the accident. Companies can be held responsible if they force employees to use company vehicles that aren’t safe or well-maintained, or if they force employees to drive for long periods of time without adequate rest or sleep.
When a driver who is impaired by alcohol causes a car accident, the bar or restaurant that served him or her alcohol can be held liable for any damages suffered by victims. Bars and restaurants are required to train servers and bartenders to stop serving patrons that appear to be intoxicated, and providing drinks to people who are already over the limit and then go on to cause car accidents can result in legal consequences for those establishments.
If potholes, weathered and chipped cement, unsafe bridges or other hazardous road conditions played a role in causing your car accident, your city and local government may be held responsible for your damages. These entities are responsible for making sure roads in their jurisdiction are well-maintained, free from hazards, and safe for motorists to use.
These are just a few of the parties that can be held liable for your car accident-related expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident, contact the Cookeville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law today at (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online form. We’ll investigate your accident and build a strong claim to get you on the road to recovery.
