Who Is At-Fault When Both Cars Are Reversing?

When both cars reverse and collide, severe injuries and property damage can occur. However, establishing liability can be challenging in car accidents of this nature. You can expect both parties to argue the other is at fault. 

Only a careful evaluation of the cause of the car accident will reveal the truth. Fortunately, when you have a reputable car accident attorney in Atlanta advocating for your rights, you can be sure liability will be assessed accurately in your case. This way, you can maximize your damages and hold the liable party accountable.

Liability When Both Cars Are Reversing

Being involved in an accident when both drivers are backing out can be devastating. Unfortunately, in accidents of this nature, it is not uncommon for victims to suffer critical injuries. However, to figure out who is responsible for causing the car accident, your attorney will need to determine which driver had the right of way when backing out or reversing. 

The location where both cars were reversed could also have an impact on liability. For example, if you were in a parking lot at the time of the accident, there may not be speed limit signs, traffic lights, or any other indicators that determine who has the right of way. Other factors that can influence liability and right of way include:

• The flow of traffic
• Traffic speed
• The location of the accident

As a general rule, if a vehicle is reversing in another vehicle is stopped, the vehicle that was moving will be found liable. However, if the stopped vehicle was illegally parked, liability may be called into question. 

Drivers who fail to yield to the right of way, speed, or engage in reckless or any other type of unsafe driving will almost always be found liable in accidents that occur while reversing.

Other Considerations When Both Vehicles Were Reversing

To determine liability when both vehicles are reversing, there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration. For example, if a driver was backing out of a driveway, this driver would be found liable if they caused an accident while reversing. This is because the court will assume the driver backing out was not paying attention to approaching and oncoming traffic.

However, if a driver in this situation was distracted, driving over the speed limit, drunk driving, or otherwise engaging in any type of unsafe or negligent driving, they could be held accountable for their portion of the liability.

How to Determine Fault When Both Cars Are Reversing

There are several ways your attorney will determine who is responsible when both cars were reversing at the time of an accident. These include:

• Opening up an investigation to determine which driver had the right of way at the time of the collision
• Determining whether one driver violated traffic patterns or other traffic laws
• Investigating to determine whether one vehicle was stopped and one vehicle was moving at the time of the collision
• Obtaining witness statements and expert testimony to support your case
• Gathering the contact and insurance information of all involved parties
• Taking photos of the physical damage to the vehicles to determine how the damage occurred and who could be responsible

Common Injuries to Sue for in a Reversing Accident 

Although you may be quick in assuming that a car accident that occurred when both cars were reversing may only produce minor injuries, you might be surprised to learn that catastrophic or life-threatening injuries are also possible. 

It is important to remember that the type of injury in a reversing accident is not necessarily relevant. What matters is the significance of your injuries and their impact on your life. However, some common injuries related to reversing car accidents include:

• Knee injuries
• Foot injuries
• Hand injuries
• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue damage

These are only a few of the different injuries that you could suffer following a collision with a reversing driver. Your attorney will go over your damages in great detail to ensure you are compensated fairly for your suffering.

What to Do if You Get in a Car Crash While Reversing 

If you have been involved in a car accident while reversing, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from being accused of liability. These include:

• Never apologizing or accepting responsibility for causing the accident. If you apologize, admit guilt, or otherwise make it appear as though you are admitting responsibility for the accident, this could later be used against you in an insurance or civil claim.
• Never post online or on social media about the extent of your injuries or the accident itself. These postings could be misinterpreted and used against you at trial or with the insurance company.
• Contact a car accident attorney for help as soon as possible after the accident. Do not speak with the insurance company, give them a statement, or provide any other details about the accident. 

Do not leave the scene of your accident until law enforcement officials or your attorney tells you it is okay to do so. You do not want to be accused of committing a hit-and-run accident, which could result in criminal charges. Instead, if you cannot find the driver of the vehicle you hit or are unable to remain at the scene of the accident, make sure to leave your contact information, insurance details, and other info so the driver can reach out to you.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta for Help Today

The car accident claims process is often complex. When you are dealing with a car accident that involves two drivers reversing, it can make the investigation process a little more complicated. It is important to have an experienced legal advocate on your side who will understand how to handle intricate details like these. 

Contact a reputable Atlanta car accident lawyer for a no-cost, risk-free consultation today. You can fill out our quick contact form or call us to get started.