Defenses to a Car Accident Injury Claim in Corpus Christi

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience, especially when facing a potential lawsuit. Having skilled car accident attorneys in Corpus Christi on your side can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and minimizing potential liability.

Act of God

The act of God defense is invoked when an accident occurs due to natural events beyond human control, such as a sudden and severe storm, earthquake, or flood. The argument is that if the accident was unavoidable due to these unforeseen natural events, the defendant should not be held liable.

Sudden Medical Emergency

Similar to the “sudden emergency” defense, a “sudden medical emergency” defense might be raised if a driver experiences an unforeseen medical event leading to the accident. For example, if a driver loses consciousness due to a heart attack or stroke and causes an accident, they might argue that the medical emergency absolves them of liability.

Fault of a Third Party

In some cases, a third party not directly involved in the accident, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road maintenance, may share or bear the entirety of the blame for the accident. If a defective car part or hazardous road conditions contributed to the accident, pursuing claims against these third parties becomes crucial.

Lack of Insurance

While not strictly a defense to liability, the lack of insurance by the at-fault driver can complicate legal proceedings. In such scenarios, it becomes essential to explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as pursuing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if available or filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver directly.

Intentional Act

While rare in the context of car accidents, if it can be proven that the accident was a result of an intentional act by the other party involved, it shifts the legal paradigm from negligence to intentional tort. This is a much higher burden of proof, requiring clear and convincing evidence of intent to cause harm.

It’s essential to recognize that these defenses can be complex and challenging to navigate. Seeking counsel from seasoned local car accident attorneys in Corpus Christi can be invaluable in building a robust defense and advocating for your rights.