Is the Reversing Driver Always at Fault?

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to back out of a crowded parking lot. There are so many cars fighting for a good spot, that people tend to be less careful than usual. Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you just can’t avoid hitting someone.

The bad news is that, if you’re backing up and hit another car, you’ll probably be deemed at fault. There are very few exceptions to this rule.

Just like the rules of the road, there are rules for parking lots. Of course, not every accident that involves a car going in reverse takes place in a parking lot. Sometimes, it can happen on the road. Nevertheless, the same principles apply to both types of situations.

It’s important that you consult an experienced car accident attorney in Texas if you’ve been in a car accident. Even though the rules are pretty clear, there are always creative ways a car accident lawyer in Beaumont can help.

Your Texas Accident Attorney Knows the General Rule

As mentioned above, the general rule is that the car backing up is deemed at fault. This is especially true if you back into a parked car. There is no way your car accident attorney can convince an insurance company (or a jury) that the parked car is responsible for the accident.

Even if a car is parked behind you and shouldn’t be, you can’t just back up into them. For example, if a busy concert is about to start and someone parks illegally behind you, the rule still applies. You can’t just take it upon yourself to slam into him in order to teach him a lesson.

When an accident happens, the insurance company will determine who is at fault. Unless there are very extenuating circumstances, if you’re backing up at the time of the accident, you’ll probably be deemed at fault.

Your Car Accident Lawyer in Beaumont Also Knows the Exceptions to the Rule

As with most other things, there are always exceptions to the rule. Although these exceptions are rare when it comes to backing up, they do exist.

Here are some of the scenarios where you may not be held liable:

• Both cars are backing up at the same time – If you back up into another car that is also backing up, it can get complicated. Basically, both drivers have to follow the rule of the road. But, ironically, both cars can be said to be following and violating this rule at the same time. In these cases, both drivers are said to be equally at fault.
• You back into traffic and hit a car that’s speeding – If you back into a lane of traffic, chances are you’ll hit another car. However, if you end up hitting a car that’s driving recklessly or too fast, you may not be held responsible for the accident. Just keep in mind – your car accident attorney will have to prove that the other driver was negligent.
• You’re competing for a parking spot with another driver – If two cars are backing into a parking spot, they will both be at fault. This is the case if the cars are coming from opposite directions. You are required to be careful when navigating a parking lot.

Your car accident lawyer will do everything he can to prove you aren’t at fault. However, if you were backing up during the accident, being deemed equally at fault may be considered a “win.”

You Should Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Beaumont Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need to contact a car accident lawyer in Beaumont today. If you were backing up and hit another car, you’ll probably be deemed at fault. You’re going to need a lawyer to prove that you were not.

If you were backing up at the time of the accident, chances are, you’ll be held responsible for the accident. Your best case may be to prove that you and the other driver were equally at fault. This could be the only chance that you don’t have to pay damages to the other driver.

Call and schedule your initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Beaumont, Texas today. The consultation is free. It gives you a chance to have an experienced lawyer to review your case. He can also let you know what your case may be worth.

Your lawyer will do his best to prove you weren’t at fault. He may even get you a settlement from the other driver. And, if he does, you pay nothing until your case is settled.