Who’s at Fault: 7 Common Types of Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are all too common, causing injuries, damage, and even tragedy. In the U.S., almost 7.3 million of these accidents happen every year, affecting countless lives. Many of the victims suffer injuries and loss of life in these incidents. In most cases, distracted and reckless drivers are at fault for these accidents.

In this blog, we’ll explore different types of traffic accidents, from minor fender benders to more serious collisions. As this is part two of our series on determining fault, we look at some common types of accidents and why the person who seems to be at fault in these accidents may not be.

Whether you’re a careful driver trying to stay safe or someone seeking answers after an accident, our insights will help you navigate this often complex world.

Let’s look at how fault is determined in some of the most common types of auto accidents: 

Stop-Sign Accidents

In most cases, the driver without the right of way will be responsible.

Two-Way Stop Signs

According to California Vehicle Code 22450 VC, drivers approaching stop signs must stop at the limit line. 

If there is no line, they must stop before entering the crosswalk, near the side of the intersection, or right before the beginning of the intersecting roadway. In either case, rolling stops are not permissible.

Four-Way Stop Signs

All drivers approaching a four-way stop sign must come to a complete halt. Who has the right of way usually depends on the order of arrival: the first driver who stops is the first to proceed through the intersection. 

However, if the drivers arrive simultaneously, the one on the right has the right of way. If both drive straight through the intersection, they may proceed simultaneously as there’s no risk of collision. 

On the other hand, if one driver wants to turn left and the other plans to turn right, the one turning right has the right of way.

Accidents Caused By Poor Signaling

Generally, the driver who failed to signal properly is at fault. Most accidents of this type occur when a driver doesn’t signal a turn and is hit by an oncoming car or another vehicle from behind.

That said, there are some little-known exceptions to the rule. Imagine a situation in which driver A plans to turn left. An oncoming Driver B wrongly signals that they will turn right but drives straight. 

As a result, Driver B turns left and crashes into Driver A. In this scenario, driver B will most likely be at fault as well, especially if facing a stop sign.

Improper Turns

Turning can be a highly dangerous maneuver if not done properly. Here’s how fault can be determined in right-turn and left-turn accidents: 

Right Turns

With California being a pure comparative negligence state, both drivers will usually share the responsibility for a right-turn accident. However, if a driver who did not have the right of way made a right turn and rear-ended another vehicle, they may be 100% at fault.

Left Turns

If you’re turning left, you only have the right of way if there’s a left-turn green arrow. Should you approach a green light with no arrow, yield until the roadway is clear or the oncoming vehicles are far enough to make a safe turn. 

You must also yield to crossing pedestrians and cyclists. The same rules apply when turning left at an intersection with no traffic light. 

Because drivers who turn left typically don’t have the right of way, there is a common assumption that they are at fault. While that may be true in most cases, it is not always so. 

There’s no automatic presumption of fault. You may still be partially liable for the accident–or not at all–if:

• You believed you could make the turn safely when an oncoming speeding vehicle entered the intersection, approaching you much more quickly than you could reasonably anticipate.
• You were making a left-hand turn when an oncoming vehicle ran a red light or stop sign. 
• The conditions were safe to proceed when you turned left, but an unexpected circumstance caused you to slow, stop, or swerve.
• The other driver was impaired, such as when driving while texting, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or without a valid license. 

Rear-End Collisions

The tailing driver is commonly at fault in most rear end collisions. These incidents are usually due to speeding, tailgating, impaired driving, or not paying enough attention.

In some cases, however, the lead driver may be the responsible party, such as when:

• Failing to use turn signals. 
• Suddenly reversing direction.
• Having defective brake lights.
• Failing to yield the right of way.
• Forgetting the car was in reverse. 
• Pulling out directly in front of another vehicle.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions, or T-Bone or broadside crashes, often occur at intersections. Usually, the driver who did not have the right of way will be liable. 

However, there are exceptions, such as when the other driver:

• Enters the intersection illegally.
• Runs a red light or rolls through a stop sign.
• Drives recklessly or under the influence.

Fixed Object Collisions

Fixed object collisions happen when a car crashes into a fixed object, like:

• Guard rails
• Curbs
• Ditches
• Polls
• Bridges
• Trees or shrubbery
• Embankments
• Posts

This type of car accident is very common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fixed object collisions account for 15% of all reported car accidents in the country. 

Although most people assume the driver is at fault for these incidents, it’s not always true. There are instances where fixed object collisions are caused by mechanical failure on the vehicle. 

Other parties that could potentially be liable for such accidents include:

• Property owners with estates near roadways who failed to keep their premises free of debris. 
• Government agencies who failed to maintain the roadway.
• Other drivers who forced another driver to swerve out of the way. 

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe crashes happen when two or more cars are moving parallel to one another, and one hits the other car’s side. 

Typically, the driver who failed to stay in their lane is at fault for these accidents, but this rule has certain exceptions. For instance, if two cars enter one lane simultaneously, they can be equally liable for any damages or injuries they sustain. 

In this case, you must determine which driver acted negligently during the incident. To prove negligence, you must be able to demonstrate the following: 

• The other driver was responsible for staying in their lanes and moving over only when the next lane was clear. 
• The other driver’s actions resulted in a collision. 
• The other driver breached their duty of care by not following traffic laws. 
• You suffered injuries and other damages due to the other driver’s negligence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions our clients frequently ask about car accidents:

How Do You Determine Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident?

California’s car accident fault determination rules state that a driver must be proven negligent to be held liable. 

To prove negligence under common law, you must show that the driver failed to operate their vehicle in a reasonably safe manner, thereby causing the accident. 

On the other hand, you must show that a driver violated a statute or code, such as the California Vehicle Code, to prove statutory negligence.

How Do Insurance Companies Determine Fault?

Insurance providers will look at evidence such as:

• Photos and videos of the collision scene.
• Witness statements.
• Medical records.
• Bills, receipts, and other documents showing lost wages, property damages, medical expenses, and other costs.
• Testimony from experts in medicine, biomechanics, occupational retraining, accident reconstruction, and more.

Can the Extent of Car Damage Determine Fault?

Car damage can play an important role in traffic accident fault determination. However, it usually isn’t enough to establish liability on its own. 

Investigators will normally consider the entire scene, traffic safety rules, the drivers’ conduct, documentary evidence, and more to decide.

Some states adopt a “modified” approach to comparative negligence, where plaintiffs can’t recover if they are 50% at fault or more. In contrast, California subscribes to a “pure” comparative negligence approach that allows you to recover even if you’re 99% at fault.

How Long Does It Take for Insurance Companies To Determine Fault?

Under California law, insurance providers have 40 days to investigate a claim. If they need more time, they must notify you every 30 days. Once they reach a determination and all parties agree to it, they must make payment within 30 days.

You’ve Had an Accident–What’s Next?

Traffic accident fault determination can be complicated. There are many exceptions to the rules, and a lot will turn on the unique circumstances of each case. 

If another driver’s negligence has injured you or a loved one, you should immediately contact a specialist accident attorney from Adamson Ahdoot. 

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Adamson Ahdoot has become one of the leading civil litigation firms in the Golden State. 

Our team can advise you on how best to defend your case and maximize your insurance payout. Remember, you may be able to recover even if you’re more than 50% at fault. 

Call us at (800) 310-1606 and file your personal injury claim today.