Proving Negligence in a Car Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 10, 2015

Negligence plays an important part when it comes to car accident claims in Seattle. What is negligence in a car accident? A driver is behaving negligently anytime they act in a careless manner and cause harm or injury to another driver or pedestrian. Many drivers are found negligent after they do something they were not supposed to be doing, like speeding or running through a red light. A driver is also negligent if they fail to yield the right-of-way during turns or stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk.

If you’ve been injured in a Seattle car accident, you should know that as the plaintiff in a car accident claim, you have the burden of proof. This means that you have the responsibility to prove that another person’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident and your injuries and losses.

Often, the authorities cite negligent drivers for their actions. It can help your case if the at-fault driver is cited for speeding or arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver DOES NOT have to face citations or charges from the authorities to face civil litigation from you. If you can prove that the at-fault driver was negligent, you will have an opportunity to receive financial support even if the authorities do not cite them for the crash.

Washington State law requires drivers to behave in a reasonably careful manner. All motorists have a duty of reasonable care to obey the law and avoid hurting other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. When someone breaches that duty of dare, they are behaving negligently.

Victims of Seattle car accidents often have to show that a reasonable, safe driver would not have behaved in the same manner as the person who hit you. A reasonable driver stops at red lights, obeys the speed limit, avoids driving drunk and leaves plenty of space for pedestrians and bikes. A negligent driver fails to act reasonably and causes harm to others.

If you can prove that the other driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, you should be able to receive financial support for the losses you have suffered. A Seattle car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, the wages you have lost, any future income you may lose, pain and suffering, the cost of rehabilitation and other related damages. The law firm of Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can be there for you. Contact us at (888) 228-3860.