3 Things You Must Know About Phantom Vehicle Car Accidents

A “phantom vehicle” is a car with its headlights and taillights turned off. Due to their lights being turned off, it is not uncommon for phantom vehicles to be involved in automobile accidents.

Knowing what to do about phantom vehicle car accidents and speaking with a car accident attorney will allow you to obtain the best possible outcome if you were involved in a phantom vehicle-related crash.

01: You Must Turn Your Headlights/Taillights On

The state of California relies on a number of laws.

Some of these laws pertain to your headlights/taillights and, more specifically when they must be turned on. And with that fact in mind, the most notable of the California safe driving laws are as follows:

• If you cannot see a person, vehicle, or object that is 1,000 feet ahead of you, then you must turn your headlights/taillights on.
• If it is dark outside – the sun has already set – then you must turn your headlights/taillights on.
• If you are driving in inclement weather, then you must turn your headlights/taillights on.
• If you need to turn on your windshield wipers, as a result of rain, fog, or snow, then you must turn your headlights/taillights on.

Every single one of the laws outlined above must be abided by. But, if they are not, then there is a possibility you could be involved in an automobile accident.

02: If You Were Involved In An Accident, And Your Headlights/Taillights Were Off, You Could Be Held Liable

If you were involved in an accident, and your headlights were turned off, you could be held liable.

Just as an example, if you are driving in the dark, and someone crashes into you, then you could actually be held liable for that accident and the various things that comprise that accident.

On the other hand, if your lights are on, and someone else crashes into you and they don’t have their headlights/taillights on, then liability will become considerably more complicated.

Even though the above is true, there is a strong chance that you will not be held liable for everything that comprises the accident, as you were abiding by the law.

03: You Can Be Held Liable For Many Things If Your Headlights/Taillights Are Off

A car accident involving a phantom vehicle can, and likely will, lead to significant liability issues.

Some of the most notable of these liability issues are as follows:

• You can be held liable for the pain and suffering that the accident caused.
• You can be held liable for the other person’s medical expenses.
• You can be held liable for the property damage that the car experienced.
• You can be held liable for the wages that the other person lost.

Outside of the above, the other person could be awarded damages that are intended to punish you for not turning on your headlights/taillights, which will only expand the bill you have been saddled with.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Accident Attorney

If you were hit by a phantom vehicle, then you can, and should, take legal action. Speak with a Northern California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon, and we will help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.