Motor Vehicle At-Fault Law

1. At-Fault: The determination that a person’s actions or negligence directly caused or significantly contributed to the occurrence of an accident.

2. Accident: Any unforeseen event or circumstance resulting in damage, injury, or death involving one or more vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists on public or private property.

3. Person: Any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity.

4. Vehicle: Any mode of transportation that requires operation by a person, including but not limited to cars, motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, and scooters.

Section 2: Offenses

1. PC §701 - RECKLESS DRIVING:

   • It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, causing an accident.

2. Negligent Driving:

   • It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner without due regard for traffic conditions, road conditions, weather, and other circumstances, resulting in an accident.

3. PC §707 - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE:

   • It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating substances, leading to an accident.

4. Violation of Traffic Laws:

   • It shall be unlawful for any person to cause an accident by violating traffic laws, including but not limited to speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, or improper lane changes.

Section 3: Penalties

1. Reckless Driving:

   • REFERENCE PC §701 - RECKLESS DRIVING.

2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI):

   • REFERENCE PC §707 - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

3. Violation of Traffic Laws:

   • REFERENCE TITLE 7 - CRIMES AGAINST MOTOR VEHICLES

Section 4: Additional Provisions

1. Restitution:

   • In addition to any other penalties, the court may order any person convicted of an offense under this code to pay restitution to any victim for any financial loss, medical expenses, property damage, or other costs caused by the accident.

2. License Suspension or Revocation:

   • The court may order the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license of any person convicted of an offense under this code, based on the severity of the offense and the circumstances of the accident.

3. Insurance Requirements:

   • Any person convicted of an offense under this code shall provide proof of financial responsibility in the form of insurance or other security as required by law before their driving privileges are reinstated.

Section 5: Enforcement

1. Authority:

   • Law enforcement agencies shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this code.

2. Investigations:

   • Law enforcement agencies may conduct investigations and take necessary actions to enforce the provisions of this code, including but not limited to accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and review of surveillance footage.