Who Is Liable in a Multi Car Accident?

In simplest form, the at-fault driver is liable in a multi car accident. But, a car accident involving more than two vehicles can get tricky when determining who is at fault. In some cases, the accident could be caused by simultaneous events or reactions from more than one driver involved.

How to Dispute a Car Accident Fault

 In some car accidents, it is clear who is at fault. However, multi car accidents can end up becoming a big conflict if it is unclear which driver caused the pile up. Even if it is a minor accident, you should immediately seek representation from a car accident lawyer, no matter which driver you think is at fault.

If you are being treated unfairly by the insurance companies involved, or by the other drivers and witnesses, a car accident lawyer can help you dispute fault. In any case, evidence helps determine who is at fault for an accident. Your attorney can help you gather all the evidence and documentation that might be needed to help your case.

Who Is at Fault in a Chain Reaction Accident?

In some cases, multi car accidents occur through the result of several actions causing a chain reaction. For example, if two cars collide on a highway, the third car might collide as a result of being unable to break fast enough to avoid the cars in front of them. The driver liable in this scenario would be the driver that caused the initial two cars to collide. However, if the third car was speeding when it collided with the first two, that driver could also be at fault.

Car Accidents Caused by Weather 

Bad weather can play a serious role in a multi car accident. Some cases of bad weather that could cause a car accident include:

• Icy roads
• Wet roads (hydroplaning)
• Poor visibility

Some drivers can still be at fault for an accident regardless of the bad weather. A driver is at fault if they drive recklessly given the poor road conditions. Icy roads or poor visibility demands that drivers proceed with more caution. That means, driving slower, giving more space to surrounding cars, or even waiting for better road conditions if their vehicle is unsuitable to sustain the bad weather.

In some cases, where all cars proceeded with caution, the roadway maintenance team could also be liable for a multi car pileup. If the road maintenance team contributed to hazardous conditions, they could be at fault for the accident.

With any case, you should contact a car accident lawyer experienced in handling multi car pileup cases. They can ensure that you collect all evidence and witness statements needed to defend your case and even receive compensation for sustained injuries.

Multiple Car Accident Insurance Issues 

When each driver has a different version of an accident, it can be difficult to determine who is liable for a multi car accident. When you are involved in any collision, it is important to obtain a police report and seek medical attention immediately for sustained injuries.

One of the most common insurance issues for multi car collisions is that the auto insurance policy has a coverage limit. This means that the maximum coverage will be paid out amongst all parties seeking compensation, which could reduce the amount of compensation you receive if you are not at fault.

Another insurance issues that can occur with multi car accidents is when the insurance company takes advantage when determining who is at fault. In accidents with one or two vehicles, it can be much clearer who is at fault. In multi car accidents, where multiple people can be at fault, an insurance company can reduce their settlements if they claim that more than one driver could be liable.

Seeking Representation for a Multi Car Collision

In a multi car collision, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to help you defend your case and receive compensation for your injuries. For cases where you sustained injuries from your collision, an attorney can help you sort through the facts, evidence, and statements to determine how to proceed when filing a personal injury lawsuit.

There are many cases in which it is hard to determine who is liable in a multi car collision. If one of the driver’s falsely claims that you are at fault, you will want an attorney to help dispute their claim.

Lastly, a car accident attorney can represent you in cases where an insurance company refuses to make a suitable offer for your claims.

 

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