January 21, 2022
What Does It Mean If My Car Accident Was Caused by a Medication Condition
Occasionally, people who are licensed drivers are involved in accidents caused by circumstances beyond their control. Another driver might make a mistake, a vehicle might malfunction, or changing weather conditions might make an accident unavoidable. Sometimes, drivers experience medical emergencies that render them unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. You may wonder about your liability if you inadvertently cause a crash because of unexpected physical impairment. As a car accident lawyer from a firm like Tuttle Law, P.A. can explain, before discussing liability, it is important to remember what to do if you are involved in an accident.
What Should You Do if There Is an Accident?
It is ideal to keep a list of proper procedures to follow in the event of an accident. This list assumes that you are physically able to complete the steps involved:
- Remain at the scene. If heavy traffic is present, you will want to get out of the drive lane, but do not travel farther than necessary for safety.
- Contact first responders by calling 911. Relate necessary details of the accident. If you are not sure of injuries, err on the said of saying there might be injuries.
- Check with others involved to see if there are injuries.
- Secure contact information from other parties and from witnesses.
- Write down or make a recording of pertinent information.
- Make certain to inform your insurance company.
What If You Experienced a Medical Problem That Resulted in an Accident?
The answer to this question is not as clear-cut as you might assume. On the one hand, if you are driving and through no fault of your own you lose the physical ability to control your vehicle, then you cannot be considered “negligent.” This means you and your insurance company would not be liable for damages caused by the crash. On the other hand, if you had forewarning of the medical problem and did nothing to prevent a possible accident, you might be found negligent and therefore responsible.
What Insight and Assistance Can an Attorney Offer?
An experienced car accident lawyer will listen to your recounting of an incident and read the police report. This will give the attorney a good idea of the degree of responsibility you may bear in an accident resulting from a medical condition. An attorney should be familiar with the laws and typical judicial rulings in the area where the accident occurred, as ordinances and judgments vary greatly. Consulting an experienced lawyer will give you insight into your liabilities and defenses.