A multi-car accident involves three or more vehicles colliding in a single crash. These accidents often happen on highways, intersections, or congested roads. Multi-car accidents can be complex due to multiple points of impact and liability issues.
So, how is liability determined in a multi-car accident? Many factors go into the determination of liability after a multi-car accident. Having a seasoned Owings Mills car accident attorney is the best way to sort through the facts of the accident and protect yourself from insurance company blame-shifting.
This article covers the causes of multi-car accidents, how the fault is determined, liability rules, and how to get the compensation that you deserve after a multi-car crash.
If you have suffered an injury in a multi-car accident, contact an attorney to protect your legal right to full and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Accidents
Multi-car accidents happen for several reasons. These serious crashes can lead to massive injuries. Multi-car accidents usually happen because:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes any action that takes the driver’s attention off driving. There are several forms of distracted driving, including visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Distracted driving increases the odds of an accident, including deadly crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people are killed every day in an accident with a distracted driver. Distracted drivers can easily cause a multi-car accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are frequent causes of traffic accidents. Speeding can result in the driver losing control of their vehicle. Drivers traveling at higher speeds generally take longer to come to a complete stop. Consequently, multi-car accidents can occur. Reckless driving is similarly dangerous. Drivers who participate in reckless activities while on the road might be legally liable for causing an accident.
Pile Ups In Bad Weather
Slippery road conditions can cause a pile-up accident. Drivers should consider changing the way that they drive based on weather conditions. For example, in rain, sleet, or snow, drivers should drive slower and give other vehicles enough space to ensure that a multi-car accident does not happen. Drivers that recklessly operate their vehicles in bad weather might be liable for a pile-up accident.
Intersection Crashes
Determining fault in an intersection collision involves several factors, including traffic signals, right-of-way regulations, driver conduct, and witness testimonies. Liability for causing a chain reaction accident may be shared by one or more drivers.
Rear-end Crashes
Rear-end accidents occur when a vehicle crashes into the one ahead. In multi-car collisions, the impact forces the middle car into another vehicle. A car accident attorney can investigate the crash and claim compensation for you.
How Is Fault Determined in a Multi-Car Accident?
Determining fault in a multi-car accident can be challenging. Despite the hardships of uncovering liability in these kinds of crashes, it is essential to find out how the accident happened to ensure the responsible party pays for accident-related damages.
Typically, fault is determined through a combination of the following:
Investigations
Investigating the cause of the accident is one of the first steps in determining liability after a multi-car crash. The first investigation will likely be completed by the police department. The responding officers are likely to give the first narrative of the accident and give their opinion about who caused the crash.
The insurance company will also investigate. Insurance companies are biased toward their insured. The last thing that the company wants to do is pay for your injuries. Because the insurance company will investigate, it is important that you have a legal team that will investigate for you.
After hiring an attorney, your legal team will investigate the cause of the accident on your behalf. Having an independent investigation can make all the difference when asserting your legal right to full and fair compensation.
Witness Statements and Traffic Camera Footage
An attorney can help gather witness statements and traffic camera footage, which might be difficult to gather on your own. This evidence can strengthen your case for compensation.
Vehicle Damage Analysis and Accident Reconstruction
Determining fault can be easier with a vehicle damage analysis or accident reconstruction report. In multi-car accidents, the point of impact helps identify the cause. An accident reconstruction report assists your legal team in understanding how the accident occurred and who was responsible.
Liability Rules in Multi-Car Accidents
There are several legal theories that can help assign liability in a multi-car accident. Here are a couple of the ways that fault can be assigned:
No-Fault Insurance States
In states with no-fault insurance, drivers utilize their own insurance policies for injuries and property damage resulting from accidents. Given the risks associated with filing a claim, it is advisable to consult an attorney before contacting your insurer to ensure fair compensation following a multi-car accident.
Joint and Several Liability
Joint and several liability is a legal theory that allows a plaintiff to recover their full damages from one or multiple defendants. This theory is important, especially in a multi-car accident. One party in a multi-car accident might be responsible for paying the full damages, depending on the state.
What To Do After a Multi-Car Accident?
The steps that you take after a multi-car accident are important to the success of your claim. If you have been involved in a multi-car crash, consider doing the following:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Gather helpful evidence and share it with your attorney
- Do not admit fault
- Call your insurance company
- Consult an attorney
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
A car accident attorney can help you get the best results available after a multi-car accident. A personal injury lawyer will advocate for you and ensure that you present the most persuasive case. Here is how an attorney can help you get what you deserve after an accident:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Handle all communications with insurance companies and third parties
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Prepare and represent you in trial
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you have been involved in a multi-car accident, contact an Owings Mills personal injury lawyer today. You deserve to have the support of a legal team while you are on the road to recovery after a traffic crash.