Establishing negligence is a fundamental step in determining liability and pursuing compensation after an accident. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. To establish negligence, you must prove four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

This involves demonstrating that the responsible party had a legal obligation to act responsibly, that they violated this duty through reckless or careless behavior, and that their actions directly caused your injuries or damages. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic signals. Gathering evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony, is crucial in proving negligence and holding the at-fault party accountable.