How is fault assessed in a vehicle rollover lawsuit?
In California, fault is assessed in a vehicle rollover lawsuit using a negligence-based legal standard. This means, the plaintiff (the person suing) must prove that the defendant (the person being sued) owed them a duty of care, that the defendant breached that duty, and that the breach of that duty caused the plaintiff damages or injuries. The defendant must also prove that any damages or injuries were due to the plaintiff’s own conduct, rather than the defendant’s negligence. The plaintiff must show that the defendant was negligent by proving that the defendant failed to take reasonable care to ensure the vehicle’s rollover protection was adequate. For example, the plaintiff might prove that the defendant knew about a safety recall of a vehicle model, but failed to fix the problem in a timely manner. Additionally, a plaintiff might prove that the vehicle was not properly maintained, or that the defendant failed to fix a vehicle that was prone to rolling over. The defendant will try to prove that the plaintiff was negligent by arguing that the plaintiff did not take reasonable steps to avoid the rollover accident. This may include the defendant arguing that the plaintiff failed to use seat belts, or that the plaintiff was driving recklessly or speeding. In determining fault in a vehicle rollover lawsuit, the jury will assess the evidence presented by both parties and weigh the credibility of each party’s testimony in order to make a decision as to who was negligent and to what degree. Ultimately, if proven negligent, the defendant may be liable for damages caused by the vehicle rollover accident.
Related FAQs
How can I prove that the at-fault driver is responsible for my vehicle rollover?Is there a statute of limitations for filing a claim involving a vehicle rollover?
What should I do if I am the driver of a vehicle in a rollover?
How long do I have to file a vehicle rollover claim?
How can I determine if I am eligible for compensation for a vehicle rollover?
Do I need a lawyer to help me with a vehicle rollover claim?
What should I do if the rollover is caused by a defective part?
How much coverage do I need for a vehicle rollover claim?
What are the most common types of vehicle rollover lawsuits?
What type of evidence can be used to settle a vehicle rollover case?
Related Blog Posts
What is Vehicle Rollover Law? - July 31, 2023Understanding the Risk: Investigating Vehicle Rollover Laws - August 7, 2023
Exploring Key Provisions of Vehicle Rollover Law - August 14, 2023
Common Causes of Vehicle Rollover Accident Claims - August 21, 2023
Strategies for Preventing Vehicle Rollover Accidents - August 28, 2023