Differentiating between fault, non-fault, and comparative fault car accidents
Whether your insurance coverage is governed by a no-fault or an at-fault system can have a direct and considerable impact on how your claim is handled and the amount of compensation you may receive following a car accident.
Insurers try to determine who was at fault if you have been injured in a car accident. This can impact the amount of the insurance claim payout, however, proving blame is often difficult. We’ll go through how your circumstance affects how your insurer assesses the accident and a party’s innocence after a car crash.
Car Insurance
While the details differ from state to state, one rule remains constant- having automobile insurance is a must while on the road. In other words, when you are involved in a car crash, the insurance plan assists in the repairs and any personal injuries you may have incurred as a result of the collision.
Fault vs. Non-Fault Vs Comparative Fault
Car accidents are prone to happen and in some instances it’s usually hard to determine who is at fault. There are three categories of car insurance namely fault, Non fault and comparative fault. Each particular one will to a great extent impact how victims receive compensation.
- Fault vs. Non-Fault Vs. Comparative Fault
Car accidents are prone to happen, and at times it’s usually hard to determine who is at fault and who’s not. There are three categories of car insurance, namely fault, Non-fault, and comparative fault. Each particular one will to a great extent, impact how victims receive compensation.
- At Fault Car Insurance
At Fault Car insurance basically holds the party liable for the car crash if it’s out of negligence. In the end, those found guilty end up paying for injuries inflicted and car damage costs.
- Non-Fault Car Insurance
Non-Fault Car insurance is whereby an insurance company will compensate you if you’re not responsible for the accident. However, if the other party can prove that you slightly played a role in causing the accident, you automatically get disqualified for full compensation.
- Comparative Fault
Comparative fault is a scenario where a car insurance company compensates you based on your accident involvement percentage.
How to conduct yourself after an accident
After a car crash, immediately call the police to file an official report of the scene. It’s worth mentioning that an officer’s report usually outweighs bystander testimony. It’s always advisable to never admit fault or make assumptions at the accident scene; just cooperate with the office and exchanging information with the other party.
Seeking Compensation
If you are not at fault in a car accident, you have a few options of getting compensated for the damages or injuries you may have sustained. You can file for compensation with your car insurance company, which will subsequently seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Alternatively, you have the option of filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Lastly, you can also file a third-party vehicle insurance claim with the driver’s insurance company at fault.
Conclusion
After being involved in a car accident, calling the police, who then files an official report, is always recommended. Also, be conversant with the negligence policy and traffic rules in your state. Each state has its fault-assignment system; however, understanding how it works can help you prove your innocence and, in the end, earn a fair insurance settlement.