All parties’ driving records may be deemed relevant in a personal injury claim. Whether this information helps, hurts, or is considered irrelevant to the claim depends on the contents of the person’s driving record. Driving records may be used to establish a pattern of negligent driving. This is good if the pattern is demonstrated in the party’s behavior, who you’re filing a claim against. However, if their records can be used against them, then yours can be used against you.
The skilled car accident lawyers at Setareh Law are prepared to help you through the legal process. Insurance companies do what they can to limit their payout, including using past mistakes against you. We know how to deal with insurance companies and their tactics to deny or undervalue your claim. Our exceptional legal team can help make sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Can a Poor Driving Record Affect Your Claim?
Whether a bad driving record helps or hurts your claim depends on whose record contains blemishes and how the accident occurred. If you’re the driver with a dozen speeding tickets or various other traffic violations, the insurance company won’t hesitate to use that against you, even if you had no part in causing the accident. A bad record could be used to prove a history and pattern of negligent driving, which at the very least, can make you partially liable for the accident.
Fortunately, California operates under the comparative negligence model, which means that partially at-fault claimants can still recover compensation. However, if you are deemed to be partially negligent, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.
If the other driver’s records paint a pattern of negligent driving, then their bad record helps your claim. Your attorney can use their record to strengthen your claim and the evidence against them.
What to Do If You Have Prior Accidents on Your Record?
Considering the traffic and significant construction going on in California, it’s rare for drivers to have never been involved in at least one accident in their lifetime. It doesn’t automatically make you a bad driver. However, that past accident can negatively impact your chances of getting maximum compensation. The first thing to do is hire a skilled and experienced attorney. It’s important to disclose your driving record as soon as possible to ensure your attorney is prepared to negotiate with insurance adjusters.
A bad record doesn’t need to tarnish your chance to obtain the compensation you deserve. If a reckless and careless driver is at-fault for the damages you’ve suffered, they should be held liable. Insurance companies may not prioritize compensating victims, but a seasoned car accident lawyer will prioritize you.
Setareh Law is Ready to Help Injured Accident Victims Recover Fair Compensation
At Setareh Law, our lawyers will fight back when insurance companies try to unfairly deny or undervalue your claim. We know that everyone is entitled to mistakes and should not have them impact every other moment of their lives. If a negligent party is responsible for your injuries and other damages, we will work tirelessly to hold them responsible.
Our car accident lawyers are personable and here to support you every step of the way. As members of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services and counsel. Contact us today (in Spanish or English) to schedule a consultation by calling (310) 659-1826 or by completing our contact form.