Who Could Be Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be wondering who is liable for your damages. In Michigan, the at-fault party is generally responsible. That means in order to seek compensation, you must first determine who was to blame for the crash.
Naturally, those who are deemed liable will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Let’s take a look at some of the parties who are most often found responsible:
1. A Motorist
The liable motorist might be the driver who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that hit you, or it could be the operator of the vehicle in which you were riding. If he or she was driving recklessly and caused the accident, you would likely be able to file a third-party claim with his or her insurer.
2. A Parts or Vehicle Manufacturer
Sometimes, a collision is the result of a defective vehicle. If this turns out to be the case, you will probably have grounds for a product liability claim against the company that manufactured the problematic part or the entire affected vehicle.
3. A Government Entity
A government entity may be liable for your injuries if the accident was caused by a government employee or a government-owned property. For example, if you ended up crashing because you lost control while driving over a massive pothole, you may be able to sue the city. Likewise, if you were struck by a bus, you may be able to put together a claim against the municipality that employed the bus driver.
If you think there’s a chance the government is to blame for your damages, make sure to find a firm that’s well-versed at going up against its agencies. The government has certain protections under tort law, and the proceedings for seeking compensation are slightly different.
4. A Motor Carrier
If you were hit by an 18-wheeler and the investigation reveals that the trucker was to blame, the motor carrier that employed him or her is likely liable for the damages. As a general rule of thumb, employers are responsible for any damages their employees cause while on the job.
How Can I Prove Liability for a Car Accident?
When putting together your personal injury claim, the strongest evidence of liability is going to come down to the facts of the case. There are a few pieces of proof, however, that almost always come into play. These include:
- Photographs of the wreckage,
- The official police report,
- Eyewitness testimony,
- Dash camera footage,
- Black box data,
- Cell phone records,
- Statements from accident reconstructionists, and
- Toxicology reports.
Call 231-946-0700 to Discuss Your Case with a Michigan Car Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own, turn to Smith & Johnson for strategic legal counsel. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties, so you can seek the compensation you deserve from them. Call 231-946-0700 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Michigan.
