Los Angeles Car Crash Lawyer: Understanding Comparative Negligence in Cases

A car crash can be overwhelming, including the following legal aspects. One crucial concept to grasp for car accident victims in Los Angeles is comparative negligence. This legal principle impacts the outcome of your case and the compensation you may receive. 

Here, we will discuss comparative negligence and the importance of Los Angeles car crash lawyers in such cases. We’ll also touch on the key elements of negligence and the types of evidence that can support your claim.

What is Comparative Negligence?

Comparative negligence measures the degree of fault each party has in an accident. An injured party in California can recover damages via comparative negligence law even if they are partially at fault. The compensation received is reduced by your percentage of fault. To understand this better, imagine that you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident. If so, your total compensation will be reduced by 30%.

The Elements of Negligence

Duty of Care

Drivers must operate their vehicles responsibly and obey traffic laws. This ensures the safety of others on the road.

Breach of Duty

Breaches occur when a driver fails to fulfill their duty of care. This could involve speeding, texting while driving, or following another vehicle too closely.

Causation

You must show that the other driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident. This means proving that their actions were a substantial factor in causing the crash.

Damages

Lastly, you must demonstrate that you suffered losses from the accident. These can include physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial harm.

Proving Negligence in California

In California, car accident cases require proof of negligence based on a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means you must show that it is more likely than not that the other driver was negligent. Here are some common types of evidence used to support a car accident case:

• Police Accident Report: Official accident documentation can provide valuable details about what happened.
• Photos and Videos: Visual evidence from the scene can help establish the circumstances of the crash.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from witnesses or passengers can corroborate your events.
• Vehicle Damage: The condition of the vehicles involved can indicate the severity and nature of the collision.
• Crash Reconstruction: Expert analysis can recreate the accident to determine fault.
• Cell Phone Records: These can reveal whether the other driver was distracted during the accident.

An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering and presenting this evidence to build a strong case. You can also take proactive steps by collecting as much evidence as possible at the accident scene.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Case

California’s comparative negligence law can help recover damages even if your fault is partial for the accident, as your compensation will be adjusted based on your level of fault. For instance, if a court assigns you 20% of the blame for the accident, your total settlement will be reduced by 20%.

This principle ensures that liability is distributed fairly, reflecting each party’s contribution to the accident. It also emphasizes the importance of presenting a compelling case to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your compensation.

Los Angeles Car Crash Lawyer at Krolikowski Law

Understanding comparative negligence is crucial for car accident victims in Los Angeles. By grasping the elements of negligence and the types of evidence needed, you can better navigate the legal landscape and protect your rights. At Krolikowski Law, we are committed to helping you through every step of your case.

Visit our website to learn more and to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team. Don’t face this challenging time alone—reach out today and take the first step toward justice and recovery.