As you drive through an intersection, another car runs a stop sign and slams into you. Then, to your astonishment, the other driver gets out of the car and starts yelling at you, saying that you caused the crash.
You can hardly believe it. The crash clearly happened because the other driver failed to stop at the sign. You’re not sure how anyone could ever read anything else into it. But that driver is outraged and denies responsibility for the crash.
While this is frustrating, you really should not be shocked. People often refuse to admit fault or try to blame someone else after an accident. In one study, just 5 percent of those involved in accidents said that they caused them. A total of 80 percent said that the other driver had the ability to prevent the wreck but failed to take proper action to do so.
In addition, when surveys ask drivers how their safety and skill compares to those around them, most drivers think they are above average in those categories. That’s a statistical impossibility, but it shows just how common this mindset is. People always think they are excellent, safe drivers, and they blame everyone else for making critical errors.
This is flawed thinking, of course. Driver error causes most crashes. Everyone can’t be safe and skilled. Many times, people who think they did nothing wrong actually caused those wrecks. If you get injured in one of these accidents, make sure you know your rights and how to seek financial compensation, especially if the other driver wants to blame you for the crash.
