If someone else caused your car accident in Aurora, they may be liable for the resulting damages. Many people assume fault always lies with another driver. However, multiple parties may be responsible for the collision depending on how it occurred.
Identifying all liable parties helps ensure that accident victims pursue compensation from every available source. This becomes important when injuries are severe and insurance limits are insufficient.
The following parties may be held liable for an Aurora car crash:
Negligent Drivers
In most cases, another driver’s negligence is the primary cause of a crash. Common forms of driver negligence include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Following too closely
When a driver violates traffic laws or fails to operate their vehicle safely, they can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damage they cause.
Employers of At-Fault Drivers
If the driver who caused the accident was working at the time (e.g., making deliveries or driving for a company), their employer may also be “vicariously liable”
This means businesses can be responsible for accidents caused by employees who are performing job duties. Employer liability is common in crashes involving:
- Delivery drivers
- Construction vehicles
- Ride share or shuttle services
- Commercial truck drivers
Holding an employer accountable can be important because they may carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers.
Vehicle Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers
Sometimes accidents are caused by defective vehicle components. Faulty brakes, steering systems, airbags, tires offer a few examples.
If a manufacturing defect or design flaw contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable for the collision through a product liability claim.
Auto Repair Shops and Mechanics
Poor maintenance or negligent repairs to your vehicle can also lead to accidents. If a mechanic failed to properly fix your vehicle, and that failure contributed to a crash, the repair shop may share responsibility for the incident.
Government Entities
Local or state government agencies may be liable when unsafe road conditions play a significant role in an accident.
Examples include:
- Potholes or uneven pavement
- Missing or damaged traffic signs
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Poor road design
- Inadequate lighting or visibility
Claims against government entities are subject to sovereign immunity rules and often have shorter deadlines.
Multiple Parties May Share Fault
Many car accidents involve more than one contributing factor, meaning multiple parties may share liability for an accident. Moreover, you may share partial fault for the crash.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that all parties who share responsibility for a crash may be held liable for their portion of damages. Likewise, if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
An Experienced Aurora Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Identify All Liable Parties
Liability in an Aurora car crash is not always straightforward. You may need an investigation before you understand who is responsible. The investigation may include reviewing police reports, traffic camera footage, vehicle data, maintenance records, and gathering expert opinions.
An experienced Aurora car accident attorney can help you identify all liable parties, gather evidence of their negligence, and seek compensation for all your damages. Contact Feagans Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your claim.