Who is Liable for a Car Accident When a Driver Had to Swerve to Avoid a Crash?
No matter how safe of a driver you may be, accidents can still happen when another driver is acting carelessly behind the wheel. When a driver is negligent, they may become distracted or act recklessly, which can cause them to swerve. Even if another driver swerves for just a moment, they may still cause a severe crash.
It has been reported that over a thousand people lose their lives in car accidents caused by swerving annually. If another driver caused you to swerve and crash, it is important to understand who is liable for the resulting accident.
Attorney Eric Ratinoff at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. has over 25 years of experience helping car accident victims in Sacramento, California. He can help assess who is liable for an accident involving swerving. If another driver makes a choice on the road that puts you in danger, you may have to quickly swerve out of the way, which can result in a sideswipe or rear-end collision. While you may technically be at-fault for the accident, a skilled car accident lawyer may be able to help you get justice.
What Happens When You Cause an Accident by Avoiding Another?
Even the most experienced drivers run the risk of falling victim to an accident when other drivers are negligent. Sometimes, to avoid one accident, drivers must swerve and find themselves causing another accident. Sometimes, the driver who caused you to swerve in the first place may pull over. Whether or not they were involved in the accident you were involved in, if you can get their witness statement and contact information, their eyewitness account of what happened will greatly help your claim.
Unfortunately, not all drivers stick around after a collision occurs. When a driver who causes you to swerve into another car leaves the scene of the accident, this is called a no-contact car accident. Sometimes the first driver who caused you to swerve, known as the ghost driver, will drive off not even aware that they caused an accident. This type of accident can be frustrating when trying to file a claim, but with the help of a car accident attorney, it may still be possible to recover your losses.
Steps to Take After a No-Contact Car Accident in Sacramento, California
After a no-contact car accident occurs, you may feel helpless. However, you may still be able to pursue compensation for the expenses and injuries the collision caused you. The most important steps to take after a no-contact car accident include:
- Call the police to report the accident and make sure there is an official accident report filed
- Get eyewitness statements
- Take photos of any evidence that may show that you had to swerve, such as skid marks on the road
- Write down any details you can remember about the driver and the car that caused you to swerve
- Seek medical help for any injuries you suffered as a result
In addition to these steps, get help from a knowledgeable attorney who can walk you through the claim process.
Contact a Sacramento California Car Accident Lawyer for Help
One of the most common causes of car accidents is driver negligence. When a driver is acting reckless and causes you to swerve, you may find yourself in a damaging accident. To get help with a no-contact accident claim, contact a trusted car accident lawyer in Sacramento, California.
Eric Ratinoff is a Sacramento, California personal injury attorney dedicated to helping clients get the justice they are owed. The team at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. has over 25 years of experience providing clients with trusted and personalized legal representation. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our online contact form or call (916) 970-9100.
