Claims and Crash Responsibility
How fault is decided
In BC, fault for a crash is determined under the provincial fault-determination rules, which assign percentages based on the manoeuvre each driver was performing. Candidates should understand the common scenarios: rear-end collisions (the following driver is generally 100% at fault), left turns across oncoming traffic, lane changes, and backing out of a parking space. Knowing who holds the right of way in each scenario is the fastest route to the correct answer.
Concepts examiners expect
Understand that fault determination affects the driver's claims history and premium, and that a commercial driver's employer may also face consequences. Know the duty to remain at the scene, exchange information, and report a crash to police when injury or specified damage thresholds are met. Understand what a crash report is used for and why inaccurate statements can create liability. Know the role of witness statements and dash-camera evidence.
Traps to watch for
Questions frequently present a scenario where both drivers made errors and expect you to split fault rather than pick one party. Another trap is confusing fault with charges: a ticket and a fault rating are decided by different processes and can disagree. Watch for items implying that leaving the scene is acceptable if damage looks minor - it is not, if the legal reporting threshold is met.
Rule of thumb
Ask two questions in order: who had the right of way, and who could reasonably have avoided the collision? The driver who failed the first test usually carries the majority of fault.