One very common phrase we hear when determining what type of coverage an insured is looking to purchase is, “I’m a good driver.” While no one is questioning your skills, there are millions of people on the road who are not good drivers, and their choices sometimes inadvertently affect good drivers negatively.
The additional disappointment happens when the not so good driver creates a situation in which the good driver is not only involved in an accident, but becomes the at fault party.
How am I liable for this?
Cars A, B, and C are driving down the road. Car A slows down. Car B is distracted while looking at their cell phone and doesn’t notice. Car C doesn’t see any brake lights and car B is large enough it doesn’t even know Car A is in front of it.
Car B finally looks up and slams on their brakes. They happen to get stopped in time not to hit Car A. Car C is left with little to no reaction time and can’t stop before hitting Car B.
Even though Car B was the distracted driver, Car C is the at fault party of the accident.
Let’s review another scenario.
Car A is following Car B into an intersection. Car A sees the light turn yellow and panics slamming the brakes. Car B knew there was enough time to get through the intersection however, because car A slammed on their brakes, Car B has now hit car A. Car B is at fault for the accident.
Just for good measure, let’s discuss one last situation that doesn’t involve another driver.
You’re driving along in wintery conditions. You aren’t speeding or breaking any laws. Your car hits black ice and although you did the best you could to control it, you hit a fence and do minor damage. Even though the ice was a determining factor for why you hit the fence, this is not a comprehensive claim. This is an at-fault collision claim.
And I’m being cited too?
