How Liability is Determined After a Car Accident in New York

How Liability is Determined

Liability in a car accident case in New York is determined based on negligence. Negligence occurs when one party fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another party. To establish liability, certain elements must be proven:

• Duty of Care – The first step is to establish that the defendant (the party alleged to be at fault) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (the injured party). In the context of a car accident, all drivers must operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
• Breach of Duty – The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant breached the duty of care. This could involve speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield.
• Causation – There must be a direct connection between the defendant’s breach of duty and the injuries sustained by the plaintiff. It must be established that the defendant’s actions were a substantial factor in causing the accident and subsequent injuries.
• Damages – The plaintiff must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
• Comparative Negligence – New York follows a comparative negligence system. If both parties are found to be partially at fault, the court will assign a percentage of fault to each party. The injured party’s recovery is then reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages.
• No-Fault Insurance System – New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that individuals injured in a car accident typically seek compensation from their insurance provider, regardless of who was at fault. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving severe injuries or economic losses exceeding a certain threshold.

In practical terms, liability is often determined through investigations, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony. Insurance companies may also conduct their own investigations to assess liability. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court, where a judge or jury will ultimately determine liability based on the presented evidence. It’s essential to consult a qualified attorney specializing in personal injury law to navigate the legal complexities and protect your interests in a car accident case in New York.