The State Highway Patrol (SHP) said the deputy is in critical condition. Finding help in handling the insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another. North Carolina is a fault state, so after any car accident a victim can sue the driver who was to blame for causing losses. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. North Carolina is an at-fault insurance state. When a North Carolina car accident happens, there are laws that govern what happens next. For more than 35 years, the North Carolina car accident lawyers at Riddle and Brantley have successfully represented the great people of North Carolina. 2. After a North Carolina car accident, you must report the collision to law enforcement if there were fatalities, injuries or if at least $1,000 in property damage occurred. A serious crash can derail your life completely. Highway patrol investigators will now try to figure out why the woman was driving in the wrong direction. Please note: A North Carolina motor vehicle record (MVR) is a driving record, vehicle record or crash report. This site contains affiliate links. Home to numerous centers and initiatives, the school offers strong expertise in civil rights, banking, environmental law, intellectual property, entrepreneurial and securities law, critical studies, bankruptcy and constitutional inquiry. A brazen thief took North Carolina cops on a wild, three-hour car chase that looked like a real-life version of the video game "Grand Theft Auto," footage shows. 13.9K Followers. Asked for a response to calls from the North Carolina GOP for her to resign, Wood said absolutely not.. NCDOT I-85's Tweets. Basics of North Carolina's liability laws, How to make a car accident claim in North Carolina, Proving liability (fault) after a North Carolina car accident, North Carolina car accident statutes of limitations, What to do after a car accident to preserve your legal rights, When to call a North Carolina car accident lawyer. Copyright 2021Accident Data Center Privacy Policy Terms of Use Sponsorships, If you or a loved one has been affected by drunk driving, MADD is here to help. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. RALEIGH, N.C. North Carolina's elected state auditor apologized Monday for leaving the scene of an accident last month after she drove her state-owned vehicle into a parked car, calling it a . In that instance, you wouldn't recover any compensation from the other driver under North Carolina's pure contributory negligence laws. The average cost of a non-fatal injury crash in 2019 was $168,000. The driver of the Nissan vehicle, Tremaine Brown, 36, of Winston-Salem, suffered serious injuries. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. North Carolina highway patrol: 2 people killed, 2 hurt in wrong-way crash on I-40, NEWSCAST. Photos from the aftermath of a crash involving North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood show Wood's black Toyota Camry slammed into, and partially resting on top of, a white Toyota Camry parked on . Serious injury accident claims are difficult to handle without the assistance of a lawyer who understands the process and can obtain the highest possible settlement. Our mailing address is 3101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-3101. A minority of U.S. states are no-fault car accident states. By Bob Monek. This site contains affiliate links. Newsroom. In no fault states, drivers must buy a special kind of insurance called personal injury protection. Greensboro police officer who was shot resigns following Golden Gate Drive incident, Medical marijuana bill passed by North Carolina Senate, Two tractor-trailers involved in collision that killed a man, troopers say, Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here. CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - All lanes of traffic have reopened on Interstate 85 in Kannapolis after a crash left four people dead and injured multiple others on Tuesday evening, officials said. The SHP said the deputy was going south on Highway 210 with lights and sirens on when the driver of the truck made a left turn in front of the deputy. What to know about daylight saving time in NC. . #NorthCarolina is an at-fault insurance state. Updated March 2, 2023, 12:19 PM . Yes, well if peter had done a better job of providing, perhaps patti would not have been working so hard and not been at that place that morning. Even a minor accident can leave you feeling shaken, nervous, and unsure of what to do next. North Carolina . Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. THIS HAPPENED JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON I-40 NEAR STRATFORD ROAD. If you are in an accident, please act fast. Every state sets a statute of limitations for injury claims to protect people from having to defend lawsuits arising out of events that happened a long time ago. Distracted driving, speeding, and moving violations are some of the most commonly cited causes of fatal accidents each year. Another person in the car was seriously injured, according to highway patrol. Tyler Harding, 26, stole four . Read more about Enjuris. All Rights Reserved. The driver of the car had serious injuries and was taken to Atrium Health CMC. Westbound I-40 reopened shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday, according to the Department of Transportation website. How to use the map to find local & regional traffic information. This is your last-resort option if you can't get satisfaction from the insurance company. A 2017 Kia passenger vehicle was traveling east on the westbound lane of I-40.A 2007 Toyota vehicle was traveling west in the westbound lane of I-40, when the 2017 Kia passenger vehicle collided head on with it.A 2018 Nissan passenger vehicle later struck the Toyota vehicle following the initial crash.Troopers said the driver of the 2017 Kia, Ashley Wilson, 31, of Winston-Salem, died at the scene.They said the driver of Toyota vehicle, Alicia Dye, 43, of Kernersville, died at the scene, and a child passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment for their serious injuries.The driver of the Nissan vehicle, Tremaine Brown, 36, of Winston-Salem, suffered serious injuries.------------------------------------State highway patrol is investigating a deadly wrong-way crash in Winston-Salem. TROOPERS, THOUGH, ARE STILL INVESTIGATING THIS CRA, UPDATE:Officials with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety shared a press release with updated information.Leaders said the deadly crash happened on I-40 West, near the 188-mile marker. After the meeting, Cooper answered questions about Woods charges. I-85, North, MM 139, Near Graham, Vehicle Crash, Lane Closed, at 3/1 1:42 PM. STATE HIGHWAY PATROL TELLS US THAT ASHLEY WILSON WAS DRIVING EAST IN THE WESTBOUND LANES. The Supreme Courts new 5-2 Republican majority voted along party lines to prevent the transfer of school funds. File a claim with the other driver's insurer. In an at-fault state like North Carolina, however, the injured person must make a claim against the liable driver's insurance policy. After a serious or fatal car collision, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. my axal broke and my tire flew off there was no cars around me i merged off to left of road as far as i could i was almost tottally off high way then i called police right. This case is still under investigation, Cooper said, and still has a court date. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) A fatal, multiple vehicle accident took place around 11:45 a.m. Friday on the westbound side of I-440, near I-40 near Sunnybrook Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Following this, here are the steps you should take in the aftermath after a crash: Post-Accident Journal Form This compensation comes from two main sources. It is one of a very small number of states that follow contributory negligence rules. If the injuries are serious or if you have questions about what you should do, it is best to contact an experienced Wendell car accident attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation. N.C. Dept. They said the driver of Toyota vehicle, Alicia Dye, 43, of Kernersville, died at the scene, and a child passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment for their serious injuries. north carolina car accident attorney, north carolina accident attorney, car accident lawyer raleigh nc, auto accident attorneys nc, accident lawyer charlotte nc, auto accident lawyers near me, auto lawyers near . When asked the victim told police that her toes wernt covered by hershoe shurancebecause toes wernt covered in the policy.. (Go to the door that reads Vehicle Registration, NOT Driver License), North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. She began singing at the age of 4 and attended Harlem School of the Arts. By age 11, she was writing songs. Thats our system.. Learn more about how a Wendell car accident attorney can help. If a driver causes a fatal accident through negligence, they can face a wrongful death claim from the victim's family, and criminal charges . source: Bing. All rights reserved. Here's everything you need to know about handling a North Carolina car accident. Hooper was taken to the hospital for treatment to her injuries. This is a developing story that will be updated as we get more information. North Carolina law requires you to report a car accident to the police if: Drivers are also required to stop at the scene of an accident and exchange contact details and other relevant information with the other parties involved in the accident. North Carolina law requires that every registered vehicle must have continuous liability insurance coverage provided by a company licensed to do business in the state. bodily injury liability. Police said the crash happened on westbound I-40 near the South Stratford Road overpass at 11:49 p.m. Wednesday. She earned her JD from UCLA School of Law and was an adjunct professor at the start of her career, teaching paralegal studies and related courses. WILSON AND THE DRIVER OF THE SUV, ALISHA DIE. Crash reports investigated by all of North Carolina's law enforcement agencies are forwarded to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. A deputy was injured. For DMV questions, call us at To avoid delay or return of your request, ensure that forms are completely and correctly filled out and that your check or money order, made payable to NCDMV is signed. Lance . Unfair? Weather. Travel information is currently disseminated to the public using venues such as Highway Advisory Radio, Dynamic Message Signs, and on other NCDOT services. House Speaker Tim Moore, a Kings Mountain Republican, said the court process should play out. Rocky Mount, NC 27804, Send Message This story was originally published February 28, 2023, 11:14 AM. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. This is in contrast to no-fault states, where each motorists personal injury protection (PIP) insurance pays for their lost wages and medical bills when injuries are minor. If the lawsuit is a wrongful death claim for someone who died in a car accident, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the person's death. You can (and should) call your insurance company immediately after a car accident. Watch American Idol Sundays at 8/7c on ABC and stream on Hulu. My son has received his driver's license. A woman was killed in a crash involving four other vehicles in Asheville, according to Asheville Police Department.Police say that the crash happened on Thursday a little after 8:05 p.m. on . When driver negligence is a factor, victims and their families are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Your safety and physical condition come first. One person in the car that she hit died. Tweets. He spent 79 days in the hospital enduring multiple surgeries, dialysis, a feeding tube, and relearning how to walk and talk. By hiring an attorney right away, you can direct any correspondence with your insurance company or the other driver's insurance company to the lawyer. For further assistance, call us at I tried to email you it's not sending! She stands out during the auditions partly because her speaking voice and singing voice are remarkably different. American Idol: Car crash survivor from North Carolina delivers emotional performance . Officials with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety shared a press release with updated information. An otherwise reportable car accident that occurs on private property does not necessarily need to be . For Your Safety. . We support students, families, caregivers and communities with resources, personal stories and a national directory of injury lawyers. According to the trooper investigating, one person in the third car has minor injuries. There are only 4 other states that use this method: Alabama, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. APD says that this is still an active and ongoing investigation and asks anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact them at 828-252-1110 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP2APD to 847411. Gov. In the weeks and months following a car accident, injured people and their families can be overwhelmed as they struggle to manage day-to-day living. This deadline is specifically for a personal injury lawsuit. liability insurance. If another driver was to blame for the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against that other driver as long as you dont share any fault for the crash and as long as the three-year statute of limitations has not yet run out. This isnt a large amount of money, especially since crashes can cause serious injuries, so many drivers smartly opt to buy more than the minimum protection. The minimum amount of liability insurance in North Carolina is: Essentially, this means that if you get into an accident, your insurance will pay up to $30,000 per injured victim but will only pay out a total maximum amount of $60,000 no matter how many people were hurt. She previously covered Durham, and has received the McClatchy Presidents Award, N.C. Open Government Coalition Sunshine Award and several North Carolina Press Association awards, including for politics and investigative reporting. North Carolina. 2023 Cox Media Group. Finding the best attorney to represent you, Personal injury vs. workers compensation, Taking Accident Scene Photos After a Car Crash, How to Find Witnesses After a Car Accident, How To Get Compensation for a North Carolina Train Accident, Legal Remedies After a North Carolina Pedestrian Accident, Motorcycle Laws, Rights, and Responsibilities in North Carolina, North Carolina Car Insurance Laws & Requirements, North Carolina Distracted Driving Accidents: Laws & Lawsuits, North Carolina Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Victims Rights, North Carolina Hit and Run Laws and Penalties, What To Do After a North Carolina Bike Accident, What To Do After a North Carolina Boating Accident Injury, Browse other North Carolina Personal Injury lawyers in our national directory, Driver's name and driver's license number, Driver's full contact information, including address, phone, and email, Vehicle registration and insurance information, Make, model, and color of each car involved in the accident. North Carolina is one of only 5 states that uses a pure contributory fault system. You slow down but ultimately continue straight through the light because it's not yet red. North Carolina can be subject to low temperatures of 15-20 degrees, freezing rain, sleet, and even the occasional ice storm. Cyclist injured . Well, Ive had to call into meetings before, Stein said. First, it's important to understand the basics of personal injury claims. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. By visiting in person the DMV Headquarters at 1100 New Bern Ave. Also auditioning this week is the youngest person to win Apollo's Amateur Night adult category, We' Ani. North Carolina is a fault state so any crash victim can try to collect compensation from the driver who caused the accident. Two people died in a Thursday night crash involving two cars, according to Wendell Fire Chief Brian Staples. Second, North Carolina's fault laws will strongly influence how a car accident claim is handled. Teen killed in Raleigh crash on I-440. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. 1515 N.Church St. Fault in North Carolina Car Accident Cases, Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Car Accident Cases, $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 in total bodily injury coverage per accident, $25,000 in property damage liability coverage, The collision caused $1,000 or more of property damage. There are several factors that your lawyer will use to prove the defendant's fault: A "statute of limitations" is the legal term for a deadline or time limit. Then, follow up with written notice that you're intending to file a claim. How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, North Carolina Minimum Insurance Requirements. One person in the car that she hit died. The priority after any car accident is to check on your own physical condition, your passengers, and any other individuals involved. Find out more about accidents and what issues an injured person needs to be aware ofby going to this link. Mailing Addresses. You will need to get a copy of the car accident police report to make a claim. If you file a claim, your insurance company will then seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. If the field is left blank, it will not return a search result unless a party's . In NC, if someone is determined to have been even partially (think 1% out of 100%) at fault (contributory negligence) for the car accident, they will likely be unable to recover against the other party . This isnt the rule in North Carolina, though. Woods next court date is scheduled for March 23. Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to help make legal services available to those unable to afford them. The North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys brings together civil trial attorneys and paralegals to promote the administration of justice, the exchange of information, ideas, and litigation techniques, and to strengthen the practice, improve the skills, and enhance the knowledge of lawyers defending individuals and businesses in North Carolina. Feb 28, 2023 2:55pm. She was traveling east in the west bound lane when her vehicle collided with a 2012 Nissan Rogue, driven by Brittney Lynn Herman, 23. When someone is injured in an accident in North Carolina, it is important to gather information about what happens next. If you would like to contact me on Facebook my name on there is Brandi Cooper Sodemann or my email is brandisodemann@yahoo.com. You're driving East on Main Street. And its perfectly appropriate to participate virtually.. Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan covers North Carolina state government and politics at The News & Observer. You may only file a claim if an injury costs you money. Roy Cooper and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein. I totally agree that some Americans have brain worms. If you don't file your claim within the statute of limitations, the court can refuse to accept your case and you've lost the right to sue for damages. 1 dead in serious crash on eastbound I-40 in Raleigh. Collision Reports . Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville receive nearly $2M from Biden Admin. You can also go directly to the at-fault driver's insurance yourself. The minimum amount of liability insurance in North Carolina is: $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person. 781 Following. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Helping low-income individuals solve legal problems. That could be days or weeks after the accident; the specific time period depends on the insurer's policies. Please try again later. North Carolina cops said a juvenile is charged after trying to pass driver, hitting a car head-on. Incident Type: County: Location: Cross Street: Status: Troop: 03/03/2023 09:40:27: OBJECT IN ROADWAY: GREENVILLE: I385: 28SB: LEFT LANE BLKD: 3: 03/03/2023 09:39:37 . About. An individual requesting a personal motor vehicle record on anothers behalf must also provide a written, signed, and notarized statement from the individual to whom the personal records belong, giving the requestor their permission to receive the records. 3690 West Gandy Blvd., Suite 444Tampa, FL 33611 Contactustoday. In either case, here's how to handle a North Carolina car accident, from the moment it occurs through the legal process to financial recovery. Crash reports can be requested by completing the But right or wrong, it's the way the legal system works in North Carolina. North Carolina Gun violence is a growing cause of death for children in NC, task force . To request a crash report in person, submit the Crash Report Request (TR-67A) formand payment to: Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency4121 New Bern Ave.(Go to the door that reads Vehicle Registration, NOT Driver License)Raleigh, NC 27616, Customers or businesses requesting five records or less in person can receive them immediately, but larger requests will need to be mailed in to the DMV. Reports will normally be . NCDOT Crash Facts) There were 69,001 crashes with injuries on North Carolina roads in 2020. ; persons assisting exempt from civil liability. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), Police ID driver accused of nearly hitting 2 students at bus stop in Statesville, Alex Murdaugh trial: Disgraced attorney sentenced to two life terms for murder of wife, son, Mooresville orders removal of memorial at park after teens death, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies after brain aneurysm at 61, Belmont police search for missing 12-year-old girl, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Winston-Salem, NC 27101. You can also go directly to the at-fault driver's insurance yourself. It is an issue for Auditor Wood. Being injured in a serious accident is always a shocking and scary experience, and dealing with the aftermath is exhausting and stressful. Its being investigated, and well let the process play out, said Stein, who is running for governor. Another vehicle rear ended the same vehicle, sandwiching the car between two others. These funds are often needed to pay for medical treatment, make up for lost wages and provide compensation for injuries suffered. There were 1,658 people killed and 105,382 people injured in car accidents in North Carolina in 2020. To order a crash report by mail, fill out the Crash Report Request (TR-67A) formand mail it along with payment (see fee below) to the address listed on the form. Stein, a Democrat like Wood and Cooper, said it was not unusual for Council of State members to attend virtually. Access to the justice system is essential to the functioning of a democratic society, but meaningful access to justice for persons of limited means is only possible through pro bono service. And then the insurance adjusters start circling. The North Carolina man was in a vacuuming area when an SUV crashed into him, police said. Locate contact information for NCDOT employees, local offices, and more. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. There is a three-year statute of limitations for making a car accident claim in North Carolina. These allow crash victims to sue to recover partial compensation from another driver who shared the blame for causing the accident. Past performance is not indicative of future results. In other words, you can receive financial compensation to recover costs to leave you in the same financial situation as you'd be in if the accident had never happened. A state trooper said a Ford traveling south on U.S. Highway 601 on Monday passed another vehicle in a curve with double-yellow . TWO OTHERS WERE HURT, INCLUDING THE THIRD DRIVER AND A CHILD INSIDE OF HIS VEHICLE. Report Number . He told reporters he had not spoken with her yet. If you aren't getting what you need for a full financial recovery, you should contact a personal injury lawyer about getting what you deserve. NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love, Keep up with local news, weather, and current events with the WXII app here. Also appearing this week: Olivia Soli says at age 5 she knew she wanted to perform. Alcohol was a factor in 7,426 injury crashes in 2020, 7% of all injury crashes. $60,000 total for all damages for all persons from a single-car accident. Multiple first responders were on the scene, including a fire truck, EMS and multiple law enforcement vehicles. North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood responded Tuesday to calls for her resignation, apologizing for her hit-and-run but saying it does not define her. Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in North Carolina. Average NC teacher pay is nearly $58,000, state says. A car accident can be devastating or a minor inconvenience. As soon as he could speak again, the first question he asked was "Mama, can I sing?". 2. North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law requires that Automobile Liability coverage be continuously maintained. You may obtain copies of crash reports from the Division of Motor Vehicles one of three ways: By calling (919) 861-3098. The drunk driver is traveling 60 miles per hour in a 30 mph speed zone. Get Your Free Consultation From a Top Lawyer. Tweets & replies. Your lawyer's job is to protect your interests to the best of their ability. In the weeks and months following a car accident, injured people and their families can be overwhelmed as they struggle to manage day . Accident victims are forced to deal with hospitalization, medical treatments, missed work, and lost income, often while trying to manage . 725 North Cherry Street. She was at the legislature to speak about a bill regarding local government auditing. THEY SAY THAT A WOMAN WAS HAVING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY WHEN SHE CROSSED THE CENTER LINE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WHICH CAUSED A CRASH WITH FOUR OTHER VEHICLES. Something went wrong. Every day, our experienced personal injury lawyers at Hardison & Cochran help people who have sustained serious injuries in car accidents in Raleigh and across the Triangle and North Carolina. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WXII-TV. WELL, ASHEVILLE POLICE SAY THAT A DRIVER IS DEAD AFTER A CRASH INVOLVING FIVE CARS. Charlotte traffic news, accidents, congestion and road construction from WCNC in Charlotte, North Carolina Some states require all drivers to carry no-fault insurance. Crime Stoppers. Get a Copy of Your North Carolina Car Accident Report. If Wood were to resign, Cooper would appoint her replacement. Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscastsNAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We LoveTRENDING STORIESKeep up with local news, weather, and current events with the WXII app here, Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. Woman killed in 5-vehicle crash in Asheville, police say, AT 5:00. In other words, the at-fault person's insurance would pay for the injured person's damages. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of healing. of Public Safety. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol's primary mission is to reduce collisions and make the highways of North Carolina as safe as possible. If the accident results in death, injuries or if damage to property exceeds $1,000, it is mandatory to inform the local North Carolina police, sheriff or highway patrol. Baby dies after taking 'natural' cold medicine, Seattle Patricia Douglass, 52, dead in 2-vehicle crash at 206th Street and Mach Kuel, 39, killed in car crash on Interstate 35 in Faribault on Zaza Eristavi, 41, killed, after three trucks collide on icy Nicholas Allen Mauldin, 32, and Jurelle B. Thorpe, 21, killed, and Minnesota man with valid driver's license arrested for 28th DWI, Texas Tornado: Infant, toddler rescued from submerged truck (VIDEO), Girl fights off carjacker attempting to kidnap her and sister in Williamsburg, Virginia, Baby dies after taking 'natural' cold medicine, Seattle mother sues manufacturer, Read our affiliate disclosure policy here. The tractor-trailer was stopped in the exit lane for Exit 10B onto Interstate 85 due to heavy traffic. Photos from the aftermath of a crash involving North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood show Wood's black Toyota Camry slammed into, and partially resting on top of, a white Toyota Camry parked on . Report A Crime. Multiple vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, were involved in the crash at about 5:50 p.m. near the Moores Chapel Road exit. Another person in the car was seriously injured, according to highway patrol. The State Highway Patrol (SHP) said the deputy is in critical condition. NCDOT Traffic Updates for Interstate 85 in North Carolina. You approach a traffic light that turns yellow. While the car accident may have been a mistake, the decision to sneak away from the scene was intentional and wholly unbecoming of an elected official, the NCGOP said in a Tweet. The woman driving the wrong way was killed in the crash. A reportable accident is a crash that causes injury or death to any person or property damage of at least $1,000. A black tarp could be seen pulled over the pickup truck. The driver and a passenger of the truck died as a result of the crash. Accident reports from the police and eyewitness testimony are invaluable if questions arise later regarding who was at fault for the accident.