Liability means that a party is financially and legally responsible for an accident. This concept should not be dismissed just because you assume that the other driver is to blame for the accident. When liability is in contention, your accident case can become a lot more complex. Read on to learn more about what liability in an accident means and how it can affect your case.

Shared Liability

You might learn that you and the other driver share liability for the accident. Both drivers may have contributed to the accident. For example, you may have been unable to stop when the other driver pulled out of a crossroad because you were speeding. Perhaps you were found to be 40 percent liable for the accident with the other driver being 60 percent liable.

However, this is nothing to be happy about. In some states, you may have to depend upon your own insurance to pay your damages if you are found to be any percent liable. In other states, the accident damages are added up and the drivers are responsible for paying their respective percentages. Shared liability is a bit better than being 100 percent liable because you won't be eligible for lost wages or pain and suffering when you share liability.

When Liability Is Uncertain

Some vehicle accidents are simple and it's obvious that one driver is at fault. However, some accidents are far from that clear. Some accidents occur with no witnesses present to provide unbiased opinions. Or the witnesses who are available don't agree with each other. When liability is not immediately known, further investigation is necessary.

Insurance adjusters may carry out some investigation by interviewing the parties about the accident. However, if you are being asked to take on the liability for the accident and you disagree with that, you need legal help. Being held liable can cause your insurance rates to rise, put points on your driver's license, and will probably end up costing you some money out of pocket for deductibles and more. You might even find your insurance canceled.

Speak to a personal injury lawyer at once. They will be fully on your side, unlike the other driver's insurance adjuster. Your lawyer may consult with an accident reconstruction expert to get more information about how the accident happened. More witnesses may be located who can provide more evidence of what really happened at the accident scene.

Don't accept liability when you know you shouldn't. Reach out to a firm such as Labine Law Firm to find out more.