It's your fault. You ignored the stop sign.
'Colpa' = KOL-pah. 'Ignorato' = ee-nyo-RAH-toh — stress the third syllable.
Use carefully — only when you are certain of the facts and need to establish fault clearly. Italian insurance claims depend heavily on the documented version of events.
Establishing 'colpa' (fault/blame) affects insurance liability. However, police reports and the CAI form determine legal responsibility — your verbal assertion alone has no binding legal effect. Remain factual and avoid confrontation.
Non aveva la precedenza.
You didn't have the right of way.
'Precedenza' (right of way) is a key concept in Italian traffic law.
Stava guidando troppo velocemente.
You were driving too fast.
Speed is the most common contributing factor in Italian accidents.
Ha attraversato il semaforo rosso.
You went through a red light.
Specify the violation — this becomes part of the police report.
In Italy, if drivers cannot agree on fault, it is strongly advised not to move the vehicles until police arrive, even if it blocks traffic. The final position of vehicles is evidence for the reconstruction of the accident.