As a cautious motorist, you know the importance of sharing the road responsibly. However, accidents caused by negligence can happen. When they do, it’s natural to wonder if the at-fault driver will be sufficiently penalized.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of accident accountability in Texas and explore the potential consequences for an at-fault driver.
Fault can be shared
Before discussing repercussions, you should know that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. Briefly, this means both drivers in an accident could be assigned a percentage of fault.
When the fault is shared, you could be the one facing or sharing costly repercussions. For example, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages in your accident claim.
Consequences for the at-fault driver
Assuming you played no role in the crash, and the other driver is solely to blame, what are they potentially facing?
If their insurance coverage is insufficient, they may be personally liable for remaining damages and face dramatically higher insurance premiums. Further, if the accident was severe or involved traffic violations, they may accrue enough points on their license to result in suspension or revocation.
In some cases, especially if the accident involved drunk or reckless driving, at-fault drivers face criminal charges. Upon conviction, they could receive a jail sentence, be ordered to pay costly fines and have a permanent criminal record.
Accountability matters to the injured
Of course, obtaining financial compensation that adequately meets your medical care needs is a top priority. However, for most victims, accountability matters even more. When one of your goals is accountability, legal guidance can help to ensure that an at-fault driver doesn’t get away with their negligence.