No human is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes once in a while. If in a car accident the fault is entirely or partially yours, you may be stressed and worried about the legal consequences you may have to face and how it may affect your future. However, you can still protect yourself and get compensated for damages.
If you were at fault, you should hold yourself accountable and pay the other driver’s compensation, as you would expect the other party to do if situations were reversed. Fortunately, even if the guilt was yours, you can still recover your losses. A Tucson auto accident attorney protects the rights of a car accident victim and assists the person at fault in handling such cases.
What To Do If You Were At Fault
If you believe you were entirely at fault in an accident, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Doing or saying certain things can worsen the situation for you. Therefore, try to stay calm and think clearly before speaking with any police officers or drivers.
- You should not leave the crime scene. Suppose you have caused the accident. Do not under any circumstances leave the spot unless you need medical help. If you flee from the accident scene, the opposite party may use it against you in court. You may also face charges for hit and run.
- If the other party is hurt, it is your responsibility to seek aid for them. For example, if they are injured, call an ambulance and make sure they get proper treatment. You will also be responsible for reporting it to the authorities if the accident involves death, severe injuries, or property damage that makes the vehicle impossible to drive.
- Do not discuss with anyone how or why the accident occurred. Keep the story to yourself as much as possible, as saying the wrong thing may prove harmful for your case. Even if the police officers question you, you have the right to remain silent and ask your lawyer to speak on behalf of you.
- Be polite with the victims and police officers. Even if the other driver behaves hostile, you should try to be calm and make minimal contact. Provide basic information about yourself and refrain from admitting guilt without talking to a lawyer first.
If You Were Partially At Fault
For complete fault, it is natural that you would have to pay the compensation. However, if both parties had their faults, the court will calculate your percentages of the blame, which will decide the amount of compensation each party will get. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected, and you are only paying a fair amount.
