Multi-vehicle car accidents happen all the time. On a busy road, distracted driving or driver negligence can cause a chain reaction of crashes. The more cars involved, the more damage occurs. Determining fault and knowing what to do in a multi-passenger car accident is tricky, especially when the accident results in injuries and fatalities.
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle car accident, it’s important to know about driver liability, types of collisions, and legal options. Doing so will aid in the insurance process and help you to get the compensation to which you are entitled. Don’t let others take advantage of you. Educate yourself about multi-vehicle car accidents and get the justice you deserve.
Types of Collisions
Various kinds of multi-vehicle collisions can occur on the road. Understanding the different types can help determine who is at fault and what steps to take next.
Chain reaction
A chain reaction accident occurs when traffic is stopped and a car at the back of traffic hits the car in front of them, causing that car to be propelled forward and hit the car in front of them. If you’re involved in a chain reaction accident, you probably think the person directly behind you covers the damage, but the reality is a bit more complicated.
Liability often lies with the person who initially caused the accident. In this case, the person at the rear is responsible for everyone’s damages. However, it’s always possible for drivers to change their story when speaking to an insurance agent. To avoid getting blamed or paying for your damages, enlist the help of a car accident attorney.
Middle car hitting front car
Sometimes, a vehicle may rear-end another car in front of them due to negligent driving. When this occurs, the driver behind the negligent driver may not have sufficient time to come to a complete stop. The sudden stop of the negligent driver can cause vehicles behind them to rear-end them as well. If this is the case, the middle car may still be to blame due to their initial violation of traffic laws.
Front vehicle at fault
The front vehicle can be at fault if they slam on the brakes unexpectedly, causing the cars behind them to slam into one another. If the front vehicle stops for no reason or violates traffic laws, they can be liable for the other cars’ damage.
Causes of Accidents
Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Determining the cause of a multi-vehicle accident can help determine who is at fault for the crash. It can also give investigators a more clear picture of the situation. Some common causes of multi-vehicle accidents are:
- Weather
- Speeding
- Asleep at the wheel
- Intoxicated drivers
- Distracted driving
- Police chase
Always be sure to practice defensive driving to avoid involvement in a multi-vehicle collision. Of course, accidents happen regardless. If you are the victim in a multi-vehicle car accident, it’s essential to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help protect you from liability and get the compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault
People involved in multi-vehicle accidents typically do not admit to liability. Multi-vehicle collisions often have large pay-outs, so unless a driver openly admits fault, a thorough investigation will likely take place. Determining fault is challenging, as accidents happen fast due to a variety of factors. Sometimes, no one is at fault.
It’s important to note that every driver has the responsibility of duty of care. If a driver fails to drive responsibly, he or she can be considered negligent. Negligent driving is a reason a driver may be held liable for a multi-passenger car accident.
Discovering who is at fault for a crash becomes increasingly tricky when several vehicles are involved. Especially in high payout cases, both police and insurance investigators work to determine liability. To help assess fault, investigators will:
- Review police reports relating to the accident (including if anyone was ticketed or arrested)
- Interview the drivers, witnesses, and passengers involved in the crash
- Investigate and take pictures of the scene of the accident
- Review the driving records of those involved
Damages
A skilled personal injury attorney can help get you compensation for any damages resulting from the accident. Common damages recoverable from a personal injury lawsuit include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost income
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Attorney fees
- Court costs
Legal Options
If you are involved in a multi-passenger car accident, contact a licensed personal injury attorney immediately. A personal injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process, investigate on your behalf, and get you the justice you deserve. The experienced attorneys at E. Orum Young have recovered millions of dollars for victims of devastating car accidents in Louisiana. Contact us today at (318) 450-6453 for a free case evaluation.
