WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Hability; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of Uability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the real accident comprises a colHsion involving two vehicles.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the real accident comprises a coUision involving one or more vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of Uability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe one or more vehicles.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe one or more vehicles and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of Hability.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with
a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender; a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for each vehicle involved in the real accident.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for each vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point for each vehicle is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median tliat can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two- way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an accident type.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident and an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing; a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein e real set of characteristics comprises aright ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter- panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an accident type.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn; a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
26. The method of claim 1 , wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an accident type, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
27. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident.
28. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two- way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier,
29. The method of claim 1 , wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
30. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident.
31. The method of claim 1 , wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic coUision.
32. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
33. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type.
34. Tlie method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
35. The metliod of claim 1, wherehi the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colUsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
36. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident.
37. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
38. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
39. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident.
40. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherehi the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
41. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from tlie group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right
rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
42. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident.
43. The method of claim 1 , wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
44. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colUsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
45. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
46. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident.
47. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
48. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
49. The method of claim 1, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter- panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
50. The method of claim 1, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining a base Hability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising deterrrrming a final Uability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise ah estimate of an effect on Uability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
52. The method of claim 50, further comprising adjusting the one or more factor estimates with a situational weight.
53. The method of claim 50, further comprising adjusting a sum of the one or more factors with a factor influence, wherein the factor influence is estimated from knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters.
54. The method of claim 50, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a ranking factor, wherein the ranking factor is estimated from knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters.
55. The method of claim 1, further comprising deterrriining one or more situational weights based on circumstances relating to the real accident.
56. The method of claim 1, wherein tlie accident comprises a coUision of one or more vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to deteimine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprises an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
57. The method of claim 56, further comprising adjusting the at least one factor estimate with a situational weight.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein the situational weight is estimated from knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters.
59. The method of claim 57, wherein the situational weight is estimated from circumstances relating to the vehicle accident.
60. The method of claim 56, further comprising determining a sum of the at least one factor estimate, and adjusting the sum ofthe at least one factor estimate with a factor influence.
61. The method of claim 56, further comprising adjusting the at least one factor estimate with a ranking factor.
62. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
63. The method of claim 1, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
64. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right of way for a vehicle.
65. The method of claim 1, wherein tlie computer system is further configured to access the memory, and wherein the memory comprises information useful for determining a right of ay for a vehicle.
66. The method of claim 1, wherehi tlie computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
67. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to access the memory, and wherein the memory comprises information about laws hi a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
68. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining a right ofway for a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle.
69. The method of claim 1, wherein the computer system is further configured to access the memory, wherein the memory comprises information useful for determining a right ofway for a vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to deteπnine the right of ay for the vehicle.
70. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein the memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
72. The method of claim 70, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving two vehicles.
73. The method of clai 70, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
74. The method of claim 70, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe vehicle in the real accident and the one or more other vehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
75. The method of claim 70, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
76. The method of claim 70, wherein tlie estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
77. The method of clahn 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
78. The method of claim 77, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one. way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
79. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
81. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle in the real accident.
82. The method of claim 81, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
83. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises impact points for the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles.
84. The method of claim 83, wherein each impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
85. The method of clahn 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an accident type.
86. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
87. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
88. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type.
89. The method of claim 70, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
90. The method of claim 70, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deteinrining a base Uability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final liability estimate based on the base Hability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
91. The method of claim 90, wherein the one or more factor comprise an estimate of an effect on Hability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, tailHghts or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
92. The method of claim 70, wherein the accident comprises a collision of the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprises an estimate of an effect on liabnity of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
93. The method of claim 70, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
94. The method of claim 70, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
95. The method of claim 70, wherehi the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for detemiining the right ofway ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
96. The method of claim 70, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
97. The method of claim 70, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway ofthe vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway ofthe vehicle.
98. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at the location ofthe real vehicle accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liabiUty, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at the location of one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
99. The method of claim 98, wherein the memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
100. The method of claim 98, wherein the real accident comprises a coUision involving one or more vehicles.
101. The method of claim 98, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of UabiUty comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least one ofthe one or more vehicles.
102.The method of claim 98, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liabiUty comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least one ofthe one or more vehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
103. The method of claim 98, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
104.The metliod of claim 98, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
105.The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident.
1 Oό.The method of claim 98, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
107.The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type.
108.The method of claim 107, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colUsion.
109.The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident.
110. The method of claim 109, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
111.The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an accident type.
112. The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
113. The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
114. The method of claim 98, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
115.The method of claim 98, wherein deteimining an estimate of liability comprises determining a base liabiUty estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final Hability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
116.The method of claim 115, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibiHty,
alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
117. The method of claim 98, wherein the accident comprises a collision of one or more vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherehi the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
118.The method of claim 98, wherein the estimate of liabiUty is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
119. The method of claim 98, wherein the estimate of liabiUty is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
120. The method of claim 98, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrriining a right ofway for a vehicle.
121. The method of claim 98, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real vehicle accident.
122. The method of claim 98, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining a right ofway of a vehicle in the real vehicle accident, and wherehi the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway ofthe vehicle.
123.A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for tlie past or theoretical accidents comprises an accident type ofthe past or theoretical accidents;
comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of Uability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
124.The method of claim 123, wherein the memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
125.The method of claim 123, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles.
126.The method of claim 123, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabiUty comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least one ofthe one or more vehicles.
127,The method of claim 123, wherein the real accident comprises a colHsion involving one or more vehicles, wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least one ofthe one or more vehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
128.The method of claim 123, wherein the estimate of Hability is expressed as a percentage.
129.The method of claim 123, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
130. The method of claim 123, wherein Hie real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident.
131. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
132. The method of claim 131, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
133.The method of claim 123, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
134. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident.
135.The method of claim 134, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
136.The method of claim 123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for more than one vehicle involved in the real accident.
137.The method of claim 136, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
138.The method of claim 123, wherem the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of ay of a vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration.
139.The method of claim 123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway of a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident.
140. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident.
141. The method of claim 123, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway of a vehicle in the accident, a roadway configuration, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident.
142.The method of claim 123, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining a base liabhity estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
143. The method of claim 142, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
144,The method of claim 123, wherein the accident comprises a collision of one or more vehicles, wherehi the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherehi the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakeUghts off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
145.The method of claim 123, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
146.The method of claim 123, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
147. The method of claim 123, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right ofway of a vehicle in the real accident.
148. The method of claim 123, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
149.The method of claim 123, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right of ay of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right of ay for the vehicle.
150. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherehi at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
151. The metliod of clahn 150, wherehi the memory further comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
152. The method of claim 150, wherein the real accident comprises a coUision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
153.The method of claim 150, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of liabiUty comprises determining an estimate of UabiUty for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
154. The method of claim 150, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein deterrrnning an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one or more additional parries, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
155. The method of claim 150, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
156.The method of claim 150, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of Hability.
157. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
158.The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
159.The method of claim 158, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
160. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type.
161. The method of claim 160, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left um entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
162. The method of claim 150, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
163.The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration.
164.The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident and an accident type.
165. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an accident type.
166. The method of claim 150, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration, and an accident type.
167.The method of claim 150, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final Uability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
168. The method of claim 167, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
169.The method of claim 150, wherein the accident comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherehi the computer system is further configured to deterrnine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on Hability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, iUicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
170.The method of claim 150, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
171. The method of claim 150, wherein the estimate liabiUty is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
172. The method of claim 150, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right of way for the vehicle.
173.The method of claim 150, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
174. The method of clahn 150, wherehi the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right of ay for the vehicle.
175.A method of estimating liabiUty for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the set of real characteristics comprise a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration at the location ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least two ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and a roadway configuration at the location ofthe past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
176. The method of claim 175, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein tlie sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
177. The method of claim 175, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
178.The method of claim 175, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of liabiUty comprises detemiining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
179. The method of claim 175, wherein the real accident comprises a colUsion involving the vehicle and one or more otlier vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liabiUty comprises determining an estimate of Hability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
180. The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
181. The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate of Hability is expressed as a range of liability.
182. The method of claim 175, wherein the roadway configuration at the location ofthe real accident is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
183. The method of claim 175, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type.
184.The method of claim 183, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
185. The method of claim 175, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle.
186. The method of claim 185, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
187.The method of claim 175, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for the vehicle and one or more other vehicles involved in the real accident.
188.The method of claim 187, wherein each impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
189.The method of claim 175, wherein tlie real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type and an impact point for the vehicle.
190.The method of claim 175, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising deterrnining a final liabiUty estimate based on the base Hability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
191. The method of claim 190, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on Hability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, faUure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
192. The method of claim 175, wherein the accident comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
193. The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate of liabUity is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
194.The method of claim 175, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
195. The method of claim 175, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining the right ofway for the vehicle.
196,The method of claim 175, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
197.The method of claim 175, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle.
198.A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least two of the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accident and an accident type ofthe past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of UabiUty for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
199. The method of claim 198, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
200. The method of claim 198, wherehi the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
201. The method of claim 198, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
202.The method of claim 198, wherein the real accident comprises a coUision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
203. The method of claim 198, wherehi the estimate of Hability is expressed as a percentage.
204.The method of claim 198, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
205.The method of claim 198, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration.
206.The method of claim 205, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
207. The method of claim 198, wherein the accident type of the real accident is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colHsion.
208.The method of claim 198, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle in the real accident.
209. The method of claim 208, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, or front middle.
210.The method of claim 198, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle and one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
211. The method of claim 210, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
212.The method of claim 198, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration and an impact point ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles involved in the real accident.
213. The method of claim 198, wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
214.The method of claim 213, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
215. The method of claim 198, wherein the accident comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to deteiniine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor; and wherein the factor
is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taUUghts or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
216.The method of claim 198, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
217.The method of claim 198, wherein the estimate liabUity is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
218. The method of claim 198, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
219. The metliod of claim 198, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
220.The method of claim 198, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident.
221. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liabUity, and wherein at least two ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact points ofthe vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to tlie sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
222.The method of claim 221, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
223. The method of claim 221, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
224.The method of claim 221, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liabUity comprises determining an estimate of
Uability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
225. The method of claim 221, wherein the real accident comprises a colHsion involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties, and wherehi the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
226. The method of claim 221, wherein the estimate of liabUity is expressed as a percentage.
227.The method of claim 221, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
228. The method of claim 221, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration at the location ofthe real accident.
229. The method of claim 228, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
230.The method of claim 221, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type ofthe real accident.
231.The method of claim 230, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
232.The method of claim 221, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
233. The method of claim 221, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration of a location ofthe real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident.
234. The method of claim 221, wherehi determining an estimate of Hability comprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising detemiining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
235. The method of claim 234, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
236. The method of claim 221, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and the one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprises an estimate of an effect on liabUity of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control^ visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, or improper signaling.
237. The method of claim 221, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
238. The method of claim 221, wherein the estimate liabiUty is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
239.The method of clahn 221, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
240.The method of claim 221, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to Hie real accident.
241. The method of claim 221, wherein tlie computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right of ay for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
242. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of
the real set of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Hability, and wherein at least two of tlie sets of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an accident type ofthe past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
243. The method of claim 242, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
244. The method of claim 242, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles.
245. The method of claim 242, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, and wherein deterrrnning an estimate of Hability comprises deterrnhήng an estimate of liability for a driver ofthe one or more vehicles.
246.The method of claim 242, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving one or more vehicles, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of Hability for a driver ofthe one or more vehicles and for one or more additional parties, and wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
247.The metliod of clahn 242, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
248.The method of claim 242, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
249. The method of claim 242, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident.
250.The method of claim 242, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
251.The method of claim 242, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left
turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a coUision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
252. The method of claim 242, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident.
253. The method of claim 252, wherein the impact point is selected from tlie group consisting or right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
254.The method of claim 242, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle.
255.The method of claim 242, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrriining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates the method further comprising determining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
256.The method of claim 255, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibUity, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
257.The method of claim 242, wherein the real accident comprises a collision of one or more vehicles, 'wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on Hability of a factor, and wherein the factors is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
258.The method of claim 242, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
259.The method of claim 242, wherein the estimate liability is a rang, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
260.The method of claim 242, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident.
261. The method of claim 242, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
262.The method of claim 242, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right of ay for the vehicle.
263. A method of estimating Uability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an impact points of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with an estimate of liabUity, and wherein at least two ofthe characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
264.The method of claim 263 , wherein the further comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
265. The method of claim 263, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
266.The method of claim 263, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
267.The method of claim 263, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or
more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
268. The method of claim 263, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
269. The method of claim 263, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
270.The method of claim 263, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of way for the vehicle in the real accident.
271. The method of claim 263, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
272. The method of claim 263, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an accident type ofthe real accident.
273.The method of claim 272, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic coUision.
274.The method of claim 263, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
275. The method of claim 263, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of ay for the vehicle in the real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident.
276.The method of claim 263, wherein deterrnining an estimate of hability comprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising deterrnining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
277. The method of claim 276, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from tlie group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility,
alcohol, iUicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taiUights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
278. The method of claim 263, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprises an estimate of an effect on liabiUty of a factor, and wherein tlie factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
279. The method of claim 263, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
280. The method of claim 263, wherein the estimate liabiUty is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
281.The method of claim 263, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
282.The method of claim 263, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
283.The method of claim 263, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right of ay for the vehicle.
284.A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics ofthe past or theoretical accidents comprise an accident type of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident;
comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liabUity for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with tlie nearest matching set of characteristics.
285. The method of claim 284, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
286.The method of claim 284, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles.
287. The method of claim 284, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles.
288. The method of claim 284, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein.determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
289. The method of claim 284, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
290.The method of claim 284, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
291. The method of claim 284, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
292. The method of claim 284, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident.
293. The method of claim 292, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
294. The method of claim 284, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left um across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle
merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colHsion.
295. The method of claim 284, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
296.The method of claim 284, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right of ay for the vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident.
297.The method of claim 284, wherein deterrnining an estimate of liabUity comprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising deterrnining a final liability estimate based on the base Hability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
298,The method of claim 297, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherehi the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
299. The method of claim 284, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibUity, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
300.The method of claim 284, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
301.The method of claim 284, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
302. The method of claim 284, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory
containing information useful for determining a right ofway for the vehicle the real accident.
303. The method of claim 284, wherein tlie computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
304. The method of claim 284, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
305.A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics a real accident, wherehi the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, and an accident type ofthe real accident; . wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
306.The method of claim 305, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
307. The method of claim 305, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
308.The method of claim 305, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of Uability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
309. The method of claim 305, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
3 lO.The method of claim 305, wherein the estimate of liabUity is expressed as a percentage.
311. The method of clahn 305, wherein the estimate, of liability is expressed as a range of Hability.
312.The method of claim 305, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
313.The method of claim 305, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colUsion.
314.The method of claim 305, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle in the real accident.
315. The method of claim 314, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
316.The method of claim 305, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises an impact point for the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
317. The method of claim 316, wherehi tlie impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
318. The method of claim 305, wherein deteixnining an estimate of liability comprises detemiining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
319. The method of claim 318, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liabiUty of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headUghts off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, faUure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper
parking, and improper signaling.
320. The method of claim 305, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headUghts off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
321. The method of claim 305, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
322.The method of claim 305, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
323. The method of claim 305, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident.
324.The method of claim 305, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
325.The method of claim 305, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
326. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Hability, and wherein tlie sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or
right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
337. The method of claim 326, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final liability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
338. The method of claim 337, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, tailHghts or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
339.The method of claim 326, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
340.The method of claim 326, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
341.The method of claim 326, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
342. The method of claim 326, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
343.The method of claim 326, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
344. The metliod of claim 326, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle involved in tlie real accident, and
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wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle.
345.A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherehi the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point of the vehicle in the one or the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
346.The method of claim 345, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
347. The method of claim 345, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
348. The method of claim 345, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
349. The method of claim 345, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
350. The method of claim 345, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
351. The method of claim 345, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
352.The method of claim 345, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident.
353.The method of claim 352, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
354.The method of claim 345, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
355. The method of claim 345, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
356.The method of claim 345, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deternhning a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final liabiUty estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
357.The method of claim 356, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
358. The method of claim 345, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
359.The method of claim 345, wherein tl e estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
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360.The method of claim 345, wherein the estimate liabiUty is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
361. The method of claim 345, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining the right of way for the vehicle.
362.The method of claim 345, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
363.The method of claim 345, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle.
364. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident ofthe real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point of a vehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
365.The method of claim 364, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
366.The method of claim 364, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
367.The method of claim 364, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, and wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises determining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
368. The method of claim 364, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrnining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
369. The method of claim 364, wherein the estimate of Hability is expressed as a percentage.
370. The method of claim 364, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
371. The method of claim 364, wherein the real set of characteristics further comprises a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
372. The method of claim 364, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
373. The method of claim 364, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
374.The method of claim 364, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, . right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
375. The method of claim 364, wherein determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining a base UabiUty estimate and one or more factor estimates, Hie method further comprising determining a final liabiUty estimate based on the base UabUity estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
376. The method of claim 375, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
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377.The method of claim 364, wherein the accident further comprises a collision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an estimate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from tlie group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taUHghts or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
378. The method of claim 364, wherehi the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
379.The method of claim 364, wherein the estimate liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
380.The method of claim 364, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
381.The method of claim 364, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
382. The method of claim 364, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrnining a right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
383. A method of estimating liability for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in Hie real accident, a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident, an accident type of the real accident, and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location of the one or the past or theoretical accidents, an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an hnpact point ofthe vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to detemiine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or
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theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
384. The method of claim 383, wherein the memory comprises a database, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents are stored in the database.
385. The method of claim 383, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles.
386.The method of claim 383, wherein the real accident comprises a collision involving the vehicle in the real accident and one or more other vehicles, and wherein deterrriining an estimate of Hability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least the vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident.
387. The method of claim 383, wherein the real accident comprises a colHsion involving the vehicle and one or more other vehicles, and wherehi determining an estimate of liability comprises deterrnining an estimate of liability for a driver of at least vehicle or the one or more other vehicles in the real accident and for one or more additional parties, wherein the one or more additional parties contributed to the real accident.
388. The method of claim 383, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
389. The method of claim 383, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of liability.
390. The method of claim 383, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
391.The method of claim 383, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
392.The metliod of claim 383, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
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393,The method of claim 383, wherein determining an estimate of UabiUty comprises deterrnining a base liability estimate and one or more factor estimates, the method further comprising determining a final Hability estimate based on the base liability estimate and the one or more factor estimates.
394. The method of claim 393, wherein the one or more factor estimates comprise an estimate of an effect on liabUity of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, foUowing too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, faUure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
395. The method of claim 383, wherein the accident further comprises a coUision ofthe vehicle and one or more other vehicles, wherein the computer system is further configured to determine at least one factor estimate, wherein the at least one factor estimate comprise an esthnate of an effect on liability of a factor, and wherein the factor is selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibiHty, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
396.The method of claim 383, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
397.The method of claim 383, wherein Hie estimate Hability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
398. The method of claim 383, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for deterrriining the right of way for the vehicle in the real accident.
399. The method of claim 383, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information about laws in a jurisdiction applicable to the real accident.
400.The method of claim 383, wherein the computer system is further configured to access a different memory containing information useful for determining the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the computer system is further configured to determine the right ofway for the vehicle in the real accident.
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401. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating Hability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, and wherein each ofthe sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents is associated with an esthnate of liabUity; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liabiUty associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
402.A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabiUty, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and detemiining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
403. A system configured to estimate liabUity, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by tlie CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a
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method for estimating liabiUty, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabUity for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
404. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and
a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating hability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises an accident type of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
405.A system configm-ed to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating Hability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least
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one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of Hability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
406. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration at the location ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherehi at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and a roadway configuration at the location ofthe one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
407.A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and
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an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an accident type ofthe one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of Hability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
408.A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating Uability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
409.A system configured to estimate UabiUty, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabiUty, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident;
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wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liabUity, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an accident type ofthe one past of theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
410. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabUity, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liabiUty, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrriining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
411.A system configured to estimate liabUity, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherehi at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated
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with estimates of liabUity, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises an accident type of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
412. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabUity, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right of way for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liabiUty associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
413. A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a metliod for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherehi at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident;
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wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location of the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and an hnpact point ofthe vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determirring an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of Uability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
414.A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein tlie system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabUity, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an impact point of the vehicle in the real accident, and an accident type of the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right of ay for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type of the one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to flie past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest notching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics .
415.A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating hability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real
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accident, an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and an accident type of the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an impact point of a vehicle in tlie one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
416.A system configured to estimate liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one ofthe real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident, and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the for past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location of the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type of the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabUity for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
417. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or
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theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Uability; comparing tlie real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
418. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherehi the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of UabUity, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics .
419.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at the location ofthe real vehicle accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at the location of one of the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deteπriining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
420.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a metliod for estimating liability for an accident, the metliod comprising:
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providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherehi the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Uability, and wherein at least one ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises an accident type ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
421. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least one of the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Hability, and wherein at least one of the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises an impact point for a vehicle involved in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on tiie estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
422. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating UabiUty for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the set of real characteristics comprise a right of ay for a vehicle in the real accident and a roadway configuration at the location ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liabUity, and wherein at least two ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents and a roadway configuration at the location of the past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to tlie past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and
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detemiining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated witii the nearest matching set of characteristics.
423. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least two ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in the past or theoretical accident and an accident type ofthe past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
424.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a metliod for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a right of way for a vehicle in the real accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least two ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an impact points ofthe vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liabUity for the real accident based on tlie estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
425. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an accident type of the real accident;
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wherein tlie computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of Uability, and wherein at least two ofthe sets of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents and an accident type ofthe past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
426.A caπier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an impact points of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with an estimate of liability, and wherein at least two ofthe characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprises a roadway configuration at a location of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
427. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating Uability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type of the real accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or tiieoretical accidents associated with estimates of Hability, and wherehi the sets of characteristics of the past or theoretical accidents comprise an accident type of one of the past or theoretical accidents and an impact point of a vehicle in the one past or theoretical accident; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to detemiine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the esthnate of liabiUty associated with the
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nearest matching set ot characteristics.
428. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, and an accident type ofthe real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right of way for a vehicle in one of the past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
429. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and deterniining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
430.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating Hability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident;
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wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an accident type ofthe one of tlie past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one or the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrriining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
431. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident ofthe real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a roadway configuration at a location of one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point of a vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
432. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liabUity for an accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the real accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of UabUity, and wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents comprise a right ofway for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe one or the past or theoretical accidents, an accident type ofthe one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents;
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comparing the real set of cnaracteristics to the sets of characteristics for tlie past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of Hability for the real accident based on tlie estimate of liability associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
433.A method of estimating UabiUty for an accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; deterrriining a theoretical right of ay in the real accident from at least one characteristic ofthe real set of characteristics; and wherein the computer system is further configured to correlate the theoretical right ofway and the real set of characteristics to a right ofway for the past or theoretical accidents and the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents and to estimate a base Hability for the real accident based on a correlation of the computer system.
434,The method of claim 433, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration ofthe real accident.
435.The method of claim 434, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
436.The method of claim 433, wherein the real.set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident.
437.The method of claim 436, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic coUision.
438. The method of claim 433, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident.
439. The method of claim 438, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
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440.The method of claim 433, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a traffic control.
441. The method of claim 433, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a traffic confrol, and wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow Ught, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
442. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type ofthe real accident.
443.The method of claim 442, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
444.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a traffic control.
445. The method of claim 444, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
446.The method of claim 433, wherein the real characteristics used by the computer system to determine a theoretical right ofway in the vehicle accident comprise at least an accident type.
447. The method of claim 446, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
448.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a jurisdiction.
449.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a jurisdiction, and wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
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450. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a traffic confrol and an accident type.
451. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a traffic control and an accident type, and wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow Ught, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
452.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a traffic control and an accident type, and wherein tlie accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
453. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises at least a traffic Gontrol and a jurisdiction.
454. The method of clahn 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises at least a traffic control and a jurisdiction, and wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
455.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises at least a traffic control and a jurisdiction, and wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red Ught, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
456. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type and a jurisdiction.
457.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type and a jurisdiction, and wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or territory of the United States.
458. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type and a jurisdiction, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into
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traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
459. The method of claim 433, wherein tlie at least one characteristic comprises a right of ay and at least a roadway configuration.
460. The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway and at least a roadway configuration, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, four-way intersection, T-angle intersection with a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into another with no ums and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-way traffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
461.The method of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of ay and at least an accident type.
462.The metliod of claim 433, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way and at least an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic coUision.
463.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway and at least an accident type.
464.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of ay and at least an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
465.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway and at least impact points of each vehicle involved in the real accident.
466. The method of claim 433, wherehi at least one characteristic comprises a right of way and at least impact points of each vehicle involved in the real accident, and wherein each ofthe impact points comprises one ofthe following: right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear
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middle, left rear comer, lert rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
467. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway and at least a roadway configuration and an accident type.
468.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway and at least a roadway configuration and an accident type, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, four-way intersection, T-angle intersection with a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into another with no rums and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-way traffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
469. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way and at least a roadway configuration and an accident type, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a coUision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
470.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, a roadway configuration, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident.
471.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way, a roadway configuration, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident , and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, four- way intersection, T-angle intersection with a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into another with no turns and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-way traffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
472. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, a roadway configuration, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein each of the impact points is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter- panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
473,The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident.
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474. The method of claim 433, wnerein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual ums to same lane, concurrent left ums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
475. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
476. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right of way, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident.
477.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, four-way intersection, T-angle intersection with a T-angle that may vary, the merging of one roadway into another with no turns and in one direction, curve, parking lot with two-way traffic, parking lot with one way traffic, center turn lane, and two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
478. The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
479.The method of claim 433, wherein at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway, a roadway configuration, an accident type, and an impact point of a vehicle in the real accident, and wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
480.A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU;
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a data memory coupled to me CPU; and a system memory coupled to tlie CPU, wherehi the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to the computer system a real set of characteristics of a real vehicle accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; deterrnining a theoretical right ofway in the real accident from at least one characteristic ofthe real set of characteristics; and correlating the theoretical right of way and the real set of characteristics to a right of way for the past or theoretical accidents and the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to estimate a base liability for the real accident.
481. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to hnplement a method for estimating liability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, and wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; determining a theoretical right ofway in the real accident from at least one characteristic ofthe real set of characteristics; and wherein the computer system is further configured to correlate the theoretical right ofway and the real set of characteristics to a right of way for the past or theoretical accidents and the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents and to esthnate a base liability for the real accident based on a correlation of the computer system.
482. A method of estimating UabUity for a vehicle accident, comprising: estimating a base liabiUty of a party in a vehicle accident with a computer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liability ofthe party with the computer system; and determining an estimate of liability ofthe party with the estimated of base liability and the estimated effect of the one or more factors on the base liability.
483. The method of claim 482, wherein the base liabiUty is a portion ofthe liability independent ofthe one or more factors, and wherein the one or more factors are specific to conditions of vehicles in the vehicle accident, conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident, actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditions common to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
484.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liabiUty comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident.
485. The method of claim 482, wherehi estimating the base Hability comprises estimating the base liability from at
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least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
486.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of tlie vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at the location ofthe vehicle accident.
487.The metliod of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at the location of the vehicle accident, and wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
488.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
489. The method of claim 488, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left um across traffic, a left um entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colUsion.
490. The method of clahn 482, wherein estimating the base Hability comprises estimating the base Uability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
4 1.The method of claim 490, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
492.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liabiUty comprises estimating the base liabUity from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident.
493. The method of claim 492, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or
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more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
494. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
495. The method of claim 494, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
496.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liabUity comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
497.The method of claim 496, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
498. The method of claim 482, wherehi estimating the base liabiUty comprises estimating the base liabiUty from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and an accident type of the vehicle accident.
499.The method of claim 498, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
500.The method of claim 498, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colUsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colHsion.
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501. The method of claim 482, wnerein estimating the base UabUity comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and a impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
502. The method of claim 501, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
503,The method of claim 501, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
504.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liabUity from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type ofthe vehicle accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
505.The method of claim 504, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right tarn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
506.The method of claim 504, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
507.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
508.The method of claim 507, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
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509.The metliod of claim 50 , wuerehi the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
510. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base UabUity from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
511.The method of claim 510, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway .into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
512.The method of claim 510, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
513. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
514.The method of claim 513, wherehi the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
515.The method of claim 513, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
516.The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liabiUty from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherehi the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
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517.The method of claim 516, wherehi the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median tliat can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
518.The method of claim 516, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colUsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
519.The method of claim 516, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
520. The method of claim 482, wherein estimating the base liability comprises estimating the base liability from at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
521.The method of claim 520, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
522.The method of claim 520, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
523. The method of claim 520, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
524. The method of claim 482, wherehi the one or more factors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver
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inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
525. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a situational weight.
526. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a situational weight, and estimating the situational weight from circumstances relating to the vehicle accident.
527. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a situational weight, and estimating the situational weight from knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters.
528. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a ranking factor.
529. The method of claim 482, further comprising adjusting a sum of the one or more factors with a factor influence.
530. The method of claim 482, wherein UabiUty is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
531.The method of claim 482, wherein Uability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein flie range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
532.A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base Hability ofthe party; and deterrriining an estimate of liability of the party with the estimated base UabUity and the estimated effect ofthe one or more factors on the base liability.
533. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method for estimating liability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident with a computer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liability ofthe party with the computer system; and determining an estimate of Hability ofthe party with the estimated of base liability and the estimated effect of the one or more factors on the base UabiUty.
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534. A metiiod of estimating liability and a range of liability for a vehicle accident, comprising: estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident, a lower bound of liability of the party, and an upper bound of liability ofthe party with a computer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liabUity ofthe party with a computer system; and wherein the one or more factors depend upon conditions of vehicles in the vehicle accident, conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident, actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditions common to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
535.The method of claim 534, wherein the base Uability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident.
536.The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
537. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident.
538.The method of claim 537, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
539.The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type of the vehicle accident.
540.The method of claim 539, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colHsion.
541.The method of claim 534, wherein the base liabUity is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an impact point of one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
542. The method of claim 541, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner,
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right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
543. The method of claim 534, wherein the base Hability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics of the vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of way for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident and a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
544.The method of claim 543, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
545. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
546. The method of claim 545, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
547. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liabiUty is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident and an impact point of one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
548.The method of claim 547, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
549.The method of claim 534, wherein the base Hability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
550.The method of claim 549, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
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551.The method of claim 549, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
552. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and an impact point of one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
553. The method of claim 552, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
554.The.method of claim 552, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
555.The method of claim 534, wherein the base Uability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises an accident type of the vehicle accident and an impact point of one of the vehicles in the vehicle accident.
556.The method of claim 555, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
557,The method of claim 555, wherein the impact points is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
558,The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of ay for one ofthe vehicles, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
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559. The method of clahn 558, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
560. The method of claim 558, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left ram crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
561.The method of claim 534, wherehi the base liabUity is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of one of the vehicles in the vehicle accident.
562. The method of clahn 561, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
563.The method of claim 561, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consistmg of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
564. The method of claim 534, wherehi the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right of ay for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
565.The method of claim 564, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross ttaffic collision.
566.The method of claim 564, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
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567. The method of claim 534, wherein the base liability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
568. The method of claim 567, wherehi the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way ttaffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
569. The method of claim 567, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
570. The method of claim 567, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
571. The method of claim 534, wherein the base Hability is estimated by at least one characteristic of a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident, and wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a right ofway for one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of one ofthe vehicles in the vehicle accident.
572.The method of claim 571, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center um lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
573.The method of claim 571, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
574.The method of claim 571, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
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575. The method of claim 534, wnerein tiie one or more factors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, foUowing too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
576. The method of claim 534, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a situational weight.
577.The method of claim 534, estimating a situational weight from chcumstances relating to the vehicle accident, and adjusting the one or more factors with the situational weight.
578. The method of claim 534, estimating a situational weight from knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters, and adjusting the one or more factors with the situational weight.
579.The method of claim 534, further, comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a ranking factor.
580. The method of claim 534, further comprising adjusting a sum ofthe one or more factors with a factor influence.
58 A system for estimating liability comprising: a CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer ■ programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabUity, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident, a lower bound of liability ofthe party, and
. an upper bound of liability of the party; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the liability; and wherein the one or more factors depend upon conditions of vehicles in the vehicle accident, conditions of drivers in the vehicle accident, actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditions common to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
582.A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method of estimating liability and a range of liabUity for a vehicle accident, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a party in a vehicle accident, a lower bound of liability of the party, and an upper bound of liability ofthe party with a computer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liabiUty ofthe party with a computer system; and wherein tlie one or more factors depend upon conditions of vehicles in the vehicle accident, conditions of
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drivers in the vehicle accident, actions of drivers in the vehicle accident, or environmental conditions common to vehicles in the vehicle accident.
583. A method of determining right ofway in a vehicle accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of to a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, and wherein a determination of a right ofway is associated with one or more ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining a right ofway for the real accident based on the determination ofthe right ofway associated with the nearest matching set of characteristics.
584. The method of claim 583, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
585. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident.
586.The method of claim 585, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
587.The method of claim 583, wherehi the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident.
588.The method of claim 587, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left rum crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision whUe backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
589.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a traffic control.
590.The method of claim 589, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left rum arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow Ught, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
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591. The method of claim 583, wnerein the real set of characteristics comprises a jurisdiction.
592.The method of claim 591, wherehi the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the United States.
593.The method of clahn 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and an accident type ofthe real accident.
594. The method of claim 593, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center rum lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
595. The method of claim 593, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left tarns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
596. The method of claim 583, wherein at least two of the real set of characteristics comprise a roadway configuration at a location of the real accident and a traffic control.
597. The method of claim 596, wherehi the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
598.The method of claim 596, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
599.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident and a jurisdiction.
600.The method of claim 599, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
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601. The method of clahn 599, wnerein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
602. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident and a traffic control.
603. The method of claim 602, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
604,The method of claim 602, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
605. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident and a jurisdiction.
606.The method of claim 605, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
607.The method of claim 605, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
608,The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a traffic control and a jurisdiction.
609.The method of claim 608, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right rum arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
δlO.The method of claim 608, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
611.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a
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location ofthe real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and a traffic control.
612. The method of claim 611, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
613. The method of claim 611, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left ums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
614.The method of claim 611, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
615.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, and a jurisdiction.
616.The method of claim 615, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
617. The method of clahn 615, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right tarn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
618.The method of claim 615, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
619.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, a traffic control, and a jurisdiction.
620.The method of claim 619, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or
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more lane road, a divided ιuαu with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
621,The method of claim 619, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow Ught, a green light, a left tarn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red Hght, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
622. The method of claim 619, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
623. The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe real accident, a traffic control, and a jurisdiction.
624. The method of claim 623, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left tarn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
625.The method of claim 623 , wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a ' yellow Hght, a green light, a left tarn arrow, a right um arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red Hght, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
626.The method of claim 623, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
627.The method of claim 583, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe real accident, an accident type ofthe real accident, a traffic control, and a jurisdiction.
628. The method of claim 627, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
629. The method of claim 627, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing ttaffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns
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to same lane, concurrent lert turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colUsion.
630.The method of claim 627, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consisting of a red light, a yellow light, a green light, a left turn arrow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, anotiier person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
631.The method of claim 627, wherein the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory of the United States.
632.A system of determining right ofway in a vehicle accident, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing to a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; providing a determination of a right of way of a vehicle for one or more of the set of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining a right of way for the real accident based on the deterrnined right of way for the nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics relating to past or theoretical accidents.
633. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method of determining right of ay in a vehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of to a real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, and wherein a determination of a right ofway is associated with one or more of the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and detemiining a right of ay for the real accident based on the deterrnination ofthe right ofway associated with
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the nearest matching set of characteristics.
634. A method of estimating liability for a vehicle accident, comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident comprise an impact point for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, wherein the impact point for the vehicle is the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents is associated with at least one impact group, and wherein the at least one impact group is associated with an estimate of a base liability; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate of the base liabUity associated with the at least one impact group ofthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
635. The method of claim 634, wherein the estimate of liability associated with the at least one impact group is determined by using knowledge obtained from experienced claims adjusters.
636. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise a roadway configuration.
637.The method of claim 636, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
638.The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise an accident type.
639. The method of clahn 638, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to. same lane, concurrent left ums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into ttaffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into ttaffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colUsion.
640.The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise a right ofway.
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641. The method of clahn 634, wherein tlie sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise a roadway configuration and an accident type.
642. The method of claim 641, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
643.The method of claim 641 , wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left tarn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual tarns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
644.The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise a roadway configuration and a right ofway.
645. The method of claim 644, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
646.The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise an accident type and a right ofway.
647.The method of claim 646, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left rum entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left tarns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
648. The method of claim 634, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents further comprise a roadway configuration, an accident type, and a right ofway.
649. The method of claim 648, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way ttaffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
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650. The method of claim 648, wnerein the accident type is selected from tlie group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a coUision witi a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross ttaffic collision.
651. A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, wherein the sets of characteristics comprise an impact points for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, wherein the hnpact point for the vehicle in the one of the past or theoretical accidents is associated with at least one impact group, and wherein the at least one impact group is associated with an estimate of a base liability; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an esthnate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofthe base UabUity associated with the at least one impact group ofthe nearest matching set of characteristics
652. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method of estimating liability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system a real set of characteristics of a real accident, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point for a vehicle in the real accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents, wherein the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident comprise an impact point for a vehicle in one ofthe past or theoretical accidents, wherein the impact point for the vehicle is the one ofthe past or theoretical accidents is associated with at least one impact group, and wherein the at least one impact group is associated with an estimate of a base liability; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and deterniimng an estimate of liability for the real accident based on the estimate ofthe base liability associated
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with the at least one impact group ofthe nearest matching set of characteristics.
653. A method of estimating liability for a vehicle accident, comprising: estimating a base liability of a party involved in a vehicle accident using a computer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liability using a computer system; determining an estimate of liability ofthe party based on the base liability and the effect ofthe one or more factors on the base liability; and assigning an absolute liability value as the liability ofthe party if the effect ofthe one or more factors exceeds a user specified value.
654. The method of claim 653, wherein estimating the base Hability comprises estimating the base liability using a real set of characteristics ofthe vehicle accident.
655.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
656.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
657. The method of claim 656, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
658. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
659.The method of claim 658, wherehi the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual rums to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
660. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
661. The method of claim 660, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
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662,The metliod of claim 654, wnerein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
663. The method of claim 662, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way ttaffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
664.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
665. The method of claim 664, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across ttaffic, a left tarn entering ttaffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colHsion.
666. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the vehicle accident.
667. The method of claim 666, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
668. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
669.The method of claim 668, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
670.The method of claim 668, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a colUsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
671. The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a
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location of the vehicle accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
672. The method of claim 671, wherehi the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way ttaffic, a center tarn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
673.The method of claim 671 , wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
674.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises an accident type ofthe vehicle accident and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
675. The method of claim 674, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into ttaffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backhig, a head on, and a straight cross traffic colUsion.
676. The method of claim 674, wherein tlie impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
677.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right of way for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
678. The method of claim 677, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way ttaffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
679. The method of claim 677, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic coUision.
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680.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the vehicle accident.
681.The method of claim 680, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
682. The method of claim 680, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front corner, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
683.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the. vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point ofthe vehicle in the vehicle accident.
684. The method of claim 683, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right rum entering ttaffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
685.The method of claim 683, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
686.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident, an accident type of the vehicle accident, and an impact point of a vehicle in the vehicle accident.
687.The method of claim 686, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
688.The method of claim 686, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering ttaffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left rums, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle
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merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
689. The method of claim 686, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
690.The method of claim 654, wherein the real set of characteristics comprises a right ofway for a vehicle in the vehicle accident, a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident, an accident type ofthe vehicle accident, and an impact point of the vehicle in the vehicle accident.
691. The method of claim 690, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
692.The method of claim 690, wherehi the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into ttaffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a coUision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross ttaffic coUision.
693.The method of claim 690, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front comer, and front middle.
694.The method of claim 653, wherehi the one or more factors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, Ulicit drags, prescription drags, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headUghts off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakehghts off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
695.The method of claim 653, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a situational weight.
696.The method of claim 653, estimating a situational weight from chcumstances ofthe vehicle accident, and adjusting the one or more factors with the situational weight.
697.The method of claim 695, estimating a situational weight from knowledge obtained from experienced claims
139
adjusters, and adjusting tne one or more factors with the situational weight.
698. The method of claim 653, further comprising adjusting the one or more factors with a ranking factor.
699. The method of claim 653, further comprising adjusting a sum ofthe one or more factors with a factor influence.
700.The method of claim 653, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, and wherein the range is estimated by a range radius.
701.The method of claim 653, wherein the estimate of liability is a range, wherein the range is estimated by a range radius, and wherein the range radius is adjusted by a snap-to radius.
702.A system for estimating liability for a vehicle accident, comprismg: a CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a party involved in a vehicle accident; , estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liability; deterrnining an estimate of liability ofthe party based on the base liability and the effect ofthe one or more factors on the base liability; and assigning an absolute liability value as liabUity ofthe party if the effect ofthe one or more factors exceeds a user specified value.
703.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method of estimating Hability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising: estimating a base liability of a party involved in a vehicle accident using a computer system; estimating an effect of one or more factors on the base liability using a computer system; deterrnining an estimate of liability ofthe party based on the base liability and the effect ofthe one or more factors on the base liability; and assigning an absolute liabiUty value as the liability ofthe party if the effect ofthe one or more factors exceeds a user specified value.
704. A method of estimating liability in a real accident, comprising: providing to a computer a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein at least one ofthe characteristics ofthe real set is based on a condition of a vehicle in the real accident, a condition of a driver of tiie vehicle in the real accident, an action ofthe driver ofthe vehicle in the real accident, or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the accident;
140
wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or tiieoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe characteristics ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents is based on a condition of a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, a condition of a driver ofthe vehicle in the past or tiieoretical accidents, an action ofthe driver ofthe vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based the estimate of liability of a associated with the nearest matching set of characteristic from the past or theoretical accidents.
705. The method of claim 704, wherein the characteristics are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective traffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drags, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taUlights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
706.The method of claim 704, further comprising adjusting estimate of liability with a situational weight.
707. The method of claim 704, further comprising estimating a situational weight from one or more chcumstances ofthe vehicle accident, and adjusting estimate of liability with a situational weight.
708.The method of claim 704, further comprising estimating a sitaational weight from knowledge obtained from an experienced claims adjuster, and adjusting estimate of liability with a situational weight.
709. The method of claim 704, further comprising adjusting estimate of liabiUty with one or more ranking factors.
710.The method of claim 704, further comprising adjusting estimate of liability with a factor influence.
711.A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein at least one ofthe characteristics ofthe real set is based on a condition of a vehicle in the real
141
accident, a condition of a driver of the vehicle in the real accident, an action ofthe driver ofthe vehicle in the real accident, or an environmental condition common to tlie vehicle in the real accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated 5 with estimates of liability, and wherehi at least one ofthe characteristics ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents is based on a condition of a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, a condition of a driver of the vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, an action ofthe driver ofthe vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents; 10 comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents; and deterrnining an estimate of liability for the real accident based the esthnate of liability of a associated with tiie nearest matching set of characteristic from the past or theoretical accidents. 15
712.A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method of estimating the contribution to liability in a vehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer a real set of characteristics of a real accident; wherein at least one ofthe characteristics ofthe real set is based on a condition of a vehicle in the real 20 accident, a condition of a driver of the vehicle in the real accident, an action of the driver of the vehicle in the real accident, or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents associated with estimates of liability, and wherein at least one ofthe characteristics ofthe sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents is based on a 25 condition of a vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, a condition of a driver ofthe vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, an action ofthe driver ofthe vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents, or an environmental condition common to the vehicle in the past or theoretical accidents; comparing the real set of characteristics to the sets of characteristics for the past or theoretical accidents to determine a nearest matching set of characteristics among the sets of characteristics for tiie past or 3.0 theoretical accidents; and determining an estimate of liability for the real accident based the estimate of liability of a associated with the nearest matching set of characteristic from the past or theoretical accidents.
713. A method, comprising: 35 providing to a computer system one or more sets of impact points relating to a past or theoretical accident, wherein the one or more sets of impact points comprise an impact point for at least one vehicle in the past or theoretical accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents;
142
providing to the computer system an estimate of liability corresponding to the one or more sets of impact points for the past or theoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability in the memory in association with the one or more sets of impact points and the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents.
714.The method of claim 713, wherein the past or theoretical accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
715. The method of clahn 713, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a percentage.
716.The method of claim 713, wherein the estimate of liability is expressed as a range of percentage liability.
717.The method of claim 713, wherein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
718. The method of claim 713, wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
719. The method of claim 718, wherein the roadway configmation is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
720. The method of claim 713, wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents comprise an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
721.The method of claim 720, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left tarn crossing traffic, a left rum across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
722.The method of claim 713, wherein the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
723. The method of claim 722, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four- way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way ttaffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
143
724.The method of claim 722, wnerein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering ttaffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left tarns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
725.A system, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liability, the method comprising: providing one or more sets of impact points relating to a past or theoretical accident, wherein the one or more sets of impact points comprise an impact point for at least one vehicle in the past or theoretical accident; wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; providing to the computer system an estimate of Hability corresponding to the one or more sets of impact points for the past or theoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability in the memory in association with the one or more sets of hnpact points and the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents.
726.A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing to a computer system one or more sets of impact points relating to a past or theoretical accident, wherein the one or more sets of impact points comprise an impact point for at least one vehicle in the past or theoretical accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents; providing to the computer system an estimate of liability corresponding to the one or more sets of impact points for the past or theoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability in the memory in association with the one or more sets of impact points and the sets of characteristics for past or theoretical accidents.
121. A method, comprising: providing to a computer system an estimate of liability for a past or theoretical accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises a set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability in the memory in association with the set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident.
144
728.The method of claim 727, wherein the accident comprises a vehicle accident.
729.The method of claim 727, wherein the accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
730.The method of claim 727, wherein the estimate ofthe liability is expressed as a percentage.
731.The method of claim 727, wherein set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
732.The method of claim 731 , wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
733. The method of claim 727, wherein set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident comprise an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
734.The method of claim 733, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left tarn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
735.The method of claim 727, wherein set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident comprise a roadway configuration at a location ofthe vehicle accident and an accident type ofthe vehicle accident.
736.The method of claim 735, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
737.The method of claim 735, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across ttaffic, a left turn entering ttaffic, a right turn entering ttaffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a colHsion with a parked vehicle, a colHsion while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
738. The method of clahn 727, wherein the estimate of liability comprises a base liabiUty, wherein the base liability
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is a portion ofthe liabUity independent of factors specific to condition of vehicles in the accident, condition of drivers in the accident, actions of drivers in the accident, and environmental conditions common to vehicles in the accident.
739. The method of claim 727, wherein the estimate of Uability comprises a lower bound of liability and an upper bound of liability.
740.The method of claim 727, wherein the estimate of liability comprises a range radius.
741.A system, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer 'programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabiUty, the method comprising: providing an estimate of liability for a past or theoretical accident; wherein the data memory comprises a set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident; and storing the estimate of liability in the memory in association with the set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident.
742. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method of estimating liability for a vehicle accident, the method comprising: providing to a computer system an estimate of Hability for a past or theoretical accident; wherein the computer system is configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises a set of characteristics for the past or theoretical accident; and storing the esthnate of Hability in the memory in association with the set ofcharacteristi.es for the past or theoretical accident.
743. A method, comprising: providing a computer system, configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises one or more estimates of an effect on liability of one or more factors relating to a past or theoretical accident; providing to the computer system one or more adjustments to the one or more estimates ofthe effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident; and storing the one or more adjustments in the memory in association with the one or more estimates ofthe effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident.
744.The method of claim 743, wherein the accident comprises a vehicle accident.
745. The method of claim 743, wherein the accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
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746.The metiiod of claim 743, wnerein the one or more estimates of the effect on the liability are expressed as a percentage.
747.The method of claim 743, wherein the one or more factors are selected from the group consisting of a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defect, a defective ttaffic control, visibility, alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, driver illness, following too closely, headlights off, speed, a sudden stop or swerve, taillights or brakelights off, unsafe backing, failure to take evasive action, high beams, an improper lane change, improper parking, and improper signaling.
748.The method of claim 743, wherein the one or more adjustments comprise situational weights.
749. The method of claim 743, wherein the one or more adjustments comprise ranking factors.
750. The method of claim 743, wherein the one or more adjustments comprise a factor influence, and wherein the factor influence adjusts a sum ofthe effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors.
751. A system, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU , wherein the data memory comprises one or more estimates of an effect on hability of one or more factors relating to a past or theoretical accident; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabUity, the method comprising: providing one or more adjustments to the one or more estimates ofthe effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident; and storing the one or more adjustments in the data memory in association with the one or more estimates of tlie effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident.
752.A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing a computer system, configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises one or more estimates of an effect on Uability of one or more factors relating to a past or theoretical accident; providing to the computer system one or more adjustments to the one or more estimates ofthe effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident; and storing the one or more adjustments in the memory in association with the one or more estimates ofthe effect on the liability ofthe one or more factors relating to the past or theoretical accident.
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753. A method, comprising: providing claim data regarding a vehicle accident to a computer system via a graphical user interface; providing data regarding at least one vehicle involved in tlie vehicle accident to the computer system via the graphical user interface; providing an assessment ofthe vehicle accident to the computer system via the graphical user interface; and storing the clahn data regarding the vehicle accident, the data regarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident, and the assessment ofthe vehicle accident in a memory associated with the computer system.
754.The method of claim 753, further comprising displaying a consultation report via the graphical user interface.
755. The method of claim 754, wherein the consultation report comprises the claim data, the data regarding the at least one vehicle, and the assessment.
756,The method of claim 754, wherein the consultation report comprises a range of UabUity for an insured party involved in the vehicle accident.
757.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises policy data.
758.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises policy data, and wherein the policy data comprises a claim number, a pohcy number, policy limits, or policy dates.
759.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises information regarding parties involved in the vehicle accident.
760.The method of claim 759, wherein the parties comprise an insured party and a claimant party.
761. The method of claim 759, wherein the parties comprise one or more witnesses.
762.The method of claim 759, wherein the information regarding the parties involved in the vehicle accident comprises a description ofthe vehicle accident provided by at least one ofthe parties.
763.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises a location, a date, and a time ofthe vehicle accident.
764.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises who reported the vehicle accident, to whom the vehicle accident was reported, and whether police were called.
148
765. The method of claim 75_s, wnerein tlie claim data comprises content of a police report regarding the vehicle accident.
766. The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises whether there were injuries in the vehicle accident.
767. The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises a jurisdiction in which the vehicle accident occurred.
768.The method of claim 767, wherehi the jurisdiction comprises a state or a territory ofthe United States.
769.The method of claim 753, wherein the claim data comprises a number of vehicles involved in the vehicle accident.
770.The metliod of clahn 753, wherein the data comprises a type ofthe at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
771. The method of claim 770, wherein the type ofthe at least one vehicle is an automobile or a Hght track.
772. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a graphical representation of an accident type.
773. The method of claim 772, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across traffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-turn, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross ttaffic collision.
774.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises a graphical representation of a roadway configuration at a location of the vehicle accident.
775.The method of claim 774, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
776. The method of clahn 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises an impact point ofthe at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
777. The method of claim 776, wherein the impact point is represented graphically.
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778. The method of claim 776, wnerein the impact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear corner, rear middle, left rear corner, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
779. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a description ofthe vehicle accident.
780.The method of clahn 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises environmental conditions at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
781. The method of claim 780, wherein the environmental conditions comprise a construction zone, an obstructed view or glare, a road condition, a road character, a road defects, a defective ttaffic control, or visibility.
782. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a condition of a driver of the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
783. The method of claim 782, wherein the condition ofthe driver comprises an effect of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, driver inattention, corrective lenses, driver inexperience, driver fatigue, or driver illness.
784.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises human actions.
785. The method of claim 784, wherein the human actions comprise following too closely, driving with headlights off, driving at an unsafe speed, a sudden stop or swerve, a failure to take evasive action, driving with high beams on, an improper lane change, improper parking, or improper signaling.
786.The method of clahn 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises an assessment of a condition ofthe at least one vehicle involved in the accident.
787. The method of claim 786, wherein the condition comprises defective equipment.
788. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a speed limit at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
789. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a speed ofthe at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
790.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises identification of traffic controls at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
150
791. The metliod of claim 790, wherein the traffic control is selected from the group consistmg of a red light, a yeUow light, a green Hght, a left turn aiτow, a right turn arrow, a stop sign, a yield sign, a flashing red light, a flashing yellow light, a police officer signaling stop, a police officer signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling proceed, a crossing guard signaling stop, a flagger signaling proceed, a flagger signaling stop, another person signaling proceed, another person signaling stop, an emergency vehicle, and a school bus.
792. The method of clahn 753, wherein the assessment of tiie vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether traffic control devices were obeyed by the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
793.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether traffic controls were defective at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
794. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment of the vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident was defective.
795. The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether roadway debris was present at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
796.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether roadway defects were present at a location ofthe vehicle accident.
797.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether there was a child in the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident.
798.The method of claim 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident were engaged in commercial use at a time ofthe vehicle accident.
799. The method of clahn 753, wherein the assessment ofthe vehicle accident comprises a determination of whether occupants in the at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident were wearing seatbelts.
800.A system, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabiUty, the method comprising: providing claim data regarding a vehicle accident via a graphical user interface; providing data regarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident via the graphical user
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interface; providing an assessment ofthe vehicle accident via the graphical user interface; and storing the claim data regarding the vehicle accident, the data regarding at least one vehicle involved in tiie vehicle accident, and the assessment ofthe vehicle accident in the data memory.
801. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing claim data regarding a vehicle accident to a computer system via a graphical user interface; providing data regarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident to the computer system via the graphical user interface; providing an assessment ofthe vehicle accident to the computer system via the graphical user interface; and storing the claim data regarding the vehicle accident, the data regarding at least one vehicle involved in the vehicle accident, and the assessment ofthe vehicle accident in a memory associated with the computer system.
802.A method, comprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is an accident type; displaying the accident type as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of an accident.type corresponding to an accident type of a real accident.
803. The method of claim 802, wherein the accident type is selected from the group consisting of a rear ender, a left turn crossing traffic, a left turn across ttaffic, a left turn entering traffic, a right turn entering traffic, dual turns to same lane, concurrent left turns, a U-tam, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from right, a parked vehicle merging into traffic from left, a merge from left, a merge from right, concurrent merges to a single lane, a collision with a parked vehicle, a collision while backing, a head on, and a straight cross traffic collision.
804,The method of claim 802, wherein the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
805.The method of claim 802, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
806.A system for estimating UabiUty, comprising: a CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabUity, the method comprising: accessing the data memory, wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of
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characteristics is an accident type; displaying tlie accident type as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of an accident type corresponding to an accident type of a real accident.
807.A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or tiieoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is an accident type; displaying the accident type as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of an accident type corresponding to an accident type of a real accident.
808.A method, comprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics of one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherehi at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is a roadway configuration; displaying the roadway configuration as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of a roadway configuration corresponding to a roadway configuration of a real accident.
809. The method of claim 808, wherein the roadway configuration is selected from the group consisting of a two or more lane road, a divided road with a median that can be crossed, a four-way intersection, a T-angle intersection, a merging of one roadway into another, a curve, a parking lot with two-way traffic, a parking lot with one way traffic, a center turn lane, and a two or more lane road divided by a physical barrier.
810.The method of claim 808, wherehi the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
811. The method of claim 808, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
812.A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabUity, the method comprising: accessing the data memory, wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is a roadway configuration; displaying the roadway configuration as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and
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selecting a graphical image of a roadway configuration corresponding to a roadway configuration of a real accident.
813. A carrier medium comprising program instractions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics of one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is a roadway configuration; displaying the roadway configuration as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of a roadway configuration corresponding to a roadway configuration of a real accident.
814. A method, comprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is an impact point for a vehicle involved in a past or theoretical accident; displaying the impact points as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of an impact point corresponding to an impact point for a vehicle involved in a real accident.
815. The method of claim 814, wherein the hnpact point is selected from the group consisting of right front comer, right front fender, right middle, right rear quarter-panel, right rear comer, rear middle, left rear comer, left rear quarter-panel, left middle, left front fender, left front corner, and front middle.
816. The method of claim 814, wherein the graphical image of the impact point comprises a graphical representation of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is divided into two or more sections, and wherein the sections correspond to impact points.
817,The method of claim 814, wherein the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
818.The method of claim 814, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
819.A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein tlie computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating Hability, the method comprising: accessing the data memory, wherein the data memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one
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or more past or tneoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is an impact point for a vehicle in one of the a past or theoretical accidents; displaying the impact point as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of an impact point corresponding to an impact point for a vehicle in a real accident.
820.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing a computer system configured to access a memory, wherein the memory comprises sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents, and wherein at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics is an impact point for a vehicle involved in a past or theoretical accident; displaying the impact points as a graphical image in a graphical user interface; and selecting a graphical image of an hnpact point corresponding to an impact point for a vehicle involved in a real accident.
821. A method, comprising: providing to a computer system at least two real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident; wherein content of one or more of the at least two real sets of characteristics corresponds to at least one witness statement regarding the real accident; comparing the content ofthe at least two real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident; and deterrnining inconsistencies between the at least two real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident based on the comparison.
822.The method of claim 821, wherein the accident comprises a vehicle accident, and wherein the at least two real sets of characteristics are selected from the group consisting of speed of at least one vehicle, whether brakes were applied, whether signaling was improper or nonexistent, whether a vehicle yielded, a road condition, a road character, a road defects, a defective traffic control, visibility, whether a driver was wearing required corrective lenses, a distance between the vehicles prior to the accident, whether headUghts were off, presence of an animal, a pedestrian, or another vehicle, whether a vehicle made a sudden stop or swerve, whether taillights or brakelights were off, unsafe backing, whether there was a failure to take evasive action, whether a vehicle had high beams on, and whether a lane change was improper.
823. The method of claim 821, wherein the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
824.The method of claim 821, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
825.A system for estimating liabiUty, comprising: a CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer
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programs executable by the CPU, and wherein tiie computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating liabUity, the method comprising: providing at least two real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident; wherein content of one or more ofthe at least two real sets of characteristics corresponds to at least one witness statement regarding the real accident; comparing the content ofthe at least two real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident; and deteπnining inconsistencies between the at least two real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident based on the comparison.
826. A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing to a computer system at least two real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident; wherein content of one or more ofthe at least two real sets of characteristics corresponds to at least one witness statement regarding the real accident; comparing the content of the at least two real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident; and deterrnining inconsistencies between the at least two real sets of characteristics relating to the real accident based on the comparison.
827.A method, comprising: providing to a computer system one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristics in a memory ofthe computer system; estimating a credible set of characteristics ofthe real accident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is estimated based on one or more physical measurements ofthe real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics; determining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and identifying a credible witness statement, wherein the credible witness statement corresponds to one ofthe one or more real sets of characteristics with the least number of inconsistencies with the credible set of characteristics.
828. The method of claim 827, wherein characteristics ofthe real set of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics comprise factors relating to speed, time, and distance in the real accident.
829.The method of claim 827, wherein characteristics ofthe real set of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics comprise factors relating to speed of a vehicle involved in the real accident, stopping distance of the vehicle involved in the real accident, and stopping time ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident.
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830.The method of claim 827, wherein the physical measurements comprise measurements of effects ofthe real accident.
831.The method of claim 827, wherein tlie physical measurements comprise measurements of effects of the real accident, and wherein effects of the real accident comprise length of skid marks and magnitude of vehicle damage.
832.The method of claim 827, wherehi the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
833.The method of claim 827, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident.
834. A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabUity, the method comprising: providing one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristics in the data memory; estimating a credible set of characteristics ofthe real accident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is estimated based on one or more physical measurements ofthe real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the data memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics; determining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and identifying a credible witness statement, wherein the credible witness statement corresponds to one of the one or more real sets of characteristics with the least number of inconsistencies with the credible set of characteristics.
835.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instractions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising: providing to a computer system one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristics in a memory ofthe computer system; estimating a credible set of characteristics ofthe real accident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is estimated based on one or more physical measurements ofthe real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics;
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determining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and ' identifying a credible witness statement, wherein the credible witness statement corresponds to one ofthe one or more real sets of characteristics with the least number of inconsistencies with the credible set of characteristics.
836. A method, comprising: providing to a computer system one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristics in a memory; estimating a credible set of characteristics ofthe real accident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is deterrnined from physical measurements of the real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics; deterniining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and deterrnining a credible real set of characteristics, wherein the credible real set of characteristics correspond to characteristics ofthe real sets of characteristics that are consistent with characteristics ofthe credible set of characteristics .
837.The method of claim 836, wherein characteristics of the real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics comprise factors relating to speed, time, and distance in the real accident.
838. The method of claim 836, wherein characteristics ofthe real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics comprise factors relating to speed of a vehicle involved in the real accident, stopping distance of the vehicle involved in the real accident, and stopping time ofthe vehicle involved in the real accident.
839.The method of claim 836, wherein the physical measurements comprise measurements of effects ofthe real accident.
840.The method of claim 836, wherein the physical measurements comprise measurements of effects ofthe real accident, and wherein the effects ofthe real accident comprise length of skid marks and magnitude of vehicle damage.
841.The method of claim 836, wherein the real accident comprises a vehicle accident.
842.The method of claim 836, wherein the real accident comprises a two vehicle accident. 843.
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844. A system for estimating liability, comprising: a CPU; a data memory coupled to the CPU; and a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method for estimating UabUity, the method comprising: providing one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristics in the data memory; estimating a credible set of characteristics ofthe real accident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is deterrnined from physical measurements ofthe real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the data memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics; determining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and determining a credible real set of characteristics, wherein the credible real set of characteristics correspond to characteristics ofthe real sets of characteristics that are consistent with characteristics ofthe credible set of characteristics.
845.A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprishig: providing to a computer system one or more real sets of characteristics relating to a real accident, wherein the one or more real sets of characteristics comprise one or more witness statements ofthe real accident; storing the one or more real sets of characteristics in a memory; estimating a credible set of characteristics ofthe real accident, wherein the credible set of characteristics is deterrnined from physical measurements ofthe real accident; storing the credible set of characteristics in the memory; comparing the one or more real sets of characteristics to the credible set of characteristics; deterrnining a number of inconsistencies between the one or more real sets of characteristics and the credible set of characteristics; and deterrnining a credible real set of characteristics, wherein the credible real set of characteristics correspond to characteristics ofthe real sets of characteristics that are consistent with characteristics ofthe credible set of characteristics.
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ethods*and systems are provided for estimating liability in an accident. In one em σdirrreni, ϋatøiiπy estiwatfo a vehicle accident may be base I a plurality of characteristics that de be the accident. In one embodimen right of way determination in a venicle accident may also be based on a plurality of characteristics that describ accident. In some embodiments, these characteristics may include: the configuration of the roadway, the type accident, right of way, and impact points of each vehicle. In some embodiments, the characteristics may inclu conditions of vehicles in the accident, conditions of drivers in the accident, actions of drivers in the accident, an environmental conditions in the accident. The characteristics from an actual accident may be compared to tho a past or theoretical accident. Liability may be estimated from a preassigned liability associated with a nearest matching past or theoretical accident. The liability estimate may include a base liability and one or more adjustments due to various factors. In one embodiment, data regarding the accident may be provided to a liabi assessment program via a graphical user interface. The data may include information regarding one or more vehicles in the accident and an assessment of the accident. The data may be stored in a memory associated the liability assessment program.
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