Being in a car accident is always stressful. But finding out that the crash was your fault can make things even harder. You might feel scared about what comes next, especially when it comes to paying for damage, dealing with your insurance company, or handling legal risks. Knowing what to expect can help protect your rights and prepare you for the process ahead.
Cefali & Cefali Personal Injury Lawyers helps people who are dealing with tough situations after a crash. Whether you’re the at fault driver or not, we explain your options clearly and help you move forward. Our team understands how car insurance, claims, and liability work.
If you’ve been involved in an accident and need answers, we’re here to guide you. It’s not just about what happened at the accident scene, it’s about what you do next that matters most.
Being "at fault" means you caused the accident. Maybe you didn’t stop in time. Maybe you ran a red light. Maybe you didn’t see the other driver. If your actions led to the crash, you are considered at fault. That also means your insurance company may have to pay for the vehicle damage, repair costs, or even medical bills of the other parties.
There are different types of fault. You can be fully at fault, meaning the crash is completely your fault. You can also share partial fault, which means you and the other driver both made mistakes. Some states use comparative fault rules.
Others are no fault states, where each person’s insurance policy pays their own bills no matter who caused the crash. In California, fault is based on what each driver did before the accident.
If you caused the crash, take these steps right away:
1. Stay Calm and Stay at the Scene: It is legally required to remain at the accident scene until the police arrive, even if the damage looks small.
2. Check for Injuries: Check if anyone, including you, is hurt. Call 911 if there are serious injuries or anyone needs medical attention.
3. Exchange Information: Share your name, license number, and insurance information with the other driver and other passengers involved.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault: Don’t admit fault at the scene. Even if you think the accident happened because of you, let the insurance adjusters and police report determine fault later.
5. Report the Accident: You must report the accident to your insurance agent or insurance company. Most policies require you to file a claim as soon as possible.
6. Take Photos and Gather Details: Photograph all damaged property, skid marks, and other cars. This helps later when the claim is reviewed.
7. Get a Copy of the Police Report: Ask the police how to get the accident report. This document helps when discussing the crash with your insurer.
If you are at fault in a car accident, your insurance company will likely be responsible for covering the other party’s losses. This includes vehicle damage, medical bills, and more. Being at fault can also impact your car insurance policy in other ways, such as changes in coverage or increased car insurance rates.
In most cases, yes. Your car insurance usually includes liability coverage, which means your insurance company will pay for the other driver's damages, including their repair costs and any medical expenses they have. However, they only pay up to your policy limits, so if the bills are higher, you might be responsible for the extra amount.
Yes, your insurance rates will likely increase if you're found to be the at fault driver. After you file a claim, your insurer may consider you a higher risk, and this could raise your car insurance rates for several years. The increase depends on your driving history and how bad the accident was.
Being at fault can lead to more than just insurance claims. You may face legal and financial problems as well, especially if someone was badly hurt or if the crash caused serious property damage. Understanding these risks can help you protect yourself and avoid greater problems in the future.
The other driver may sue you in civil court to recover money for their losses, especially if their medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle damage go beyond your insurance policy coverage. A personal injury lawsuit can demand more than what your insurance company pays, which means you could owe money from your own assets.
If the accident involved drunk driving, reckless driving, or someone died, you may face criminal charges. These charges are handled in court and could lead to fines, license suspension, or even jail. While most auto accidents do not lead to this, the risk increases when the crash caused serious injuries or involved illegal actions.
Not every car accident has just one person to blame. Sometimes, both drivers involved make mistakes. You might be found partially at fault, even if the other driver also caused the crash. This can change how much money you can collect or how much your insurance company must pay.
Understanding how shared blame works is important, especially if you're unsure how the accident happened or how much you’re truly responsible for.
California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means fault is divided between the drivers involved. If you’re partially at fault, you can still recover money, but the amount you get is reduced based on your share of the blame.
For example, if you are 30% at fault and have $10,000 in vehicle damage or medical bills, you may only get $7,000. The rules about partial fault vary by state, but in California, even small mistakes can affect your claim.
Just because the insurance company says you’re at fault doesn’t mean they’re always right. Fault is based on police reports, witness statements, and physical proof, but mistakes can happen. If you believe you weren’t responsible, you can challenge their decision.
You should dispute fault if you have proof that the other driver made a bigger mistake, or if the accident report contains wrong information. You may need help from an attorney who understands personal injury law and how to deal with insurance adjusters.
You can also submit extra evidence, like photos from the accident scene, insurance information, or even a statement from a new witness. Challenging fault is worth it if being blamed affects your ability to file a claim or increases your car insurance rates.
If you’re at fault, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. You still have the right to understand your options and protect your finances. First, make sure you report the accident to your insurance company right away. Then, review your car insurance policy to see what coverage you have, like collision coverage or medical payments. Don’t agree to anything or admit fault until you’ve read the police report and talked to someone who knows the law.
If you’re facing claims for other driver's damages, a lawsuit, or high insurance rates, speak to a lawyer who handles personal injury cases. They can help make sure your insurer treats you fairly and that your rights are protected. The sooner you get help, the better chance you have to reduce the long-term impact.
In the immediate aftermath, stay calm and remain at the scene. Make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe, and call the police to report what happened. Do not admit fault, and wait for help. Collect photos, exchange insurance information, and write down anything that may explain the circumstances of the crash.
Yes, even with car insurance, the other driver may choose to file a personal injury claim against you. If their losses go beyond your insurance policy limits, they can take legal action. That’s why it’s smart to speak to a law firm right away to understand your risks.
If you were only partly at fault, California law still allows you to recover money for damages. This is called comparative negligence, and your percentage of fault affects how much you can get. A law office can help figure out how fault is shared and what your next step should be.
When a crash includes several motor vehicles, figuring out fault is more difficult. You may not be the only one at fault. In these cases, it’s best to speak with a law firm that handles complex cases. They can work with experts and look at all the facts to help protect your rights.
If you were involved in a car accident and believe you may be at fault, you still have rights. You may be worried about insurance, claims, or even a possible lawsuit, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The truth is, every case is different. The details, the damage, and the circumstances all matter. Getting clear answers now can protect you later.
At Cefali & Cefali Personal Injury Lawyers, our law office helps drivers understand what to expect and how to move forward. Whether you caused the crash or share partial fault, we can explain your options, deal with the insurance company, and help lower your risks. Our team has experience with all kinds of motor vehicles and personal injury cases. You don’t have to guess what to do, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Contact us now for a free consultation with a car accident attorney who puts your needs first.
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