Who is at Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

Multi-fault car accidents can be difficult to investigate and resolve because they often involve various contributing factors. Consulting an attorney is an important step to take when initiating any kind of car accident litigation. 

Car accidents can be disruptive and scary events–even more so when more than one vehicle is involved in an accident. Multi-car accidents are also referred to as chain-reaction accidents. 

These are situations where multiple vehicles are involved in a collision, and fault or negligence can be attributed to more than one party.

Drivers involved in multi-fault accidents should consider consulting with an attorney who is experienced in personal injury or car accident cases. An attorney can help protect your rights, navigate any complex legal issues, handle any insurance claims, and negotiate on your behalf.

Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000. Our associates are well-versed in car accident litigation and are standing by to assist you. Read on to learn more about multi-car accident claims and what kind of damages may be available to you and your case. 

What Kind of Damages Are Available in Multi-Car Accidents?

The damages in multi-car accidents can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, and the liability of each party. Multi-car accidents are also known as pile-ups or chain-reaction accidents. These types of accidents involve multiple vehicles and can result in complex legal and insurance issues.

If you have been injured in a multi-car accident or are facing hardship because of damage to your vehicle, you may be able to bring a lawsuit for damages. Damages are financial awards granted by the court that are meant to compensate you for the injuries you have sustained. 

Some of the common types of damages in multi-car accidents include:

• Personal Injuries: In multi-car accidents, there is a higher likelihood of injuries to drivers and passengers. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-threatening injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
• Property Damage: Multi-car accidents often cause extensive damage to vehicles. Property damages can include repairs or replacement of vehicles, as well as damage to personal property within the vehicles, such as electronics, clothing, or other belongings.
• Medical Expenses: Damages may include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor's visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. The cost of medical treatment can be substantial in multi-car accidents.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering can be a significant part of the damages in multi-car accidents. The severity and long-term impact of the injuries play a crucial role in determining these damages.
• Punitive Damages: The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are rarely awarded but may be if the court finds that the at-fault party's conduct is particularly reckless, intentional, or negligent. 

The specific damages in a multi-car accident will depend on the unique circumstances of the collision and the injuries and losses suffered by all parties involved. Multi-car accidents often result in complex legal proceedings, and it is crucial to know what next steps to take. 

Oftentimes, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney. A car accident attorney can help navigate the legal and insurance complexities to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the damages you have incurred. 

In a Multi-Car Accident, Who is at Fault? 

When more than one party is involved in a car accident, the legal process immediately becomes very complicated. Your legal term will need to determine who was at fault in order to correctly calculate damages. Legally, fault is the action that caused an injury to another person. 

Determining fault in a multi-car accident often requires a detailed investigation by law enforcement and insurance companies. Even after a thorough investigation, it may still be very difficult to determine who is at fault. 

Some factors that may contribute to determining who is at fault are: 

• Traffic violations: Law enforcement officers at the scene may issue traffic citations to one or more drivers involved in the accident. These citations can serve as evidence of fault, but they can also be contested in court.
• Chain reaction effect: If, after the primary collision, additional vehicles may become involved in subsequent collisions. Those drivers involved in secondary or subsequent collisions may be assigned partial fault if their actions contributed to the accident. Rear-end collisions often trigger the chain reaction effect.
• Evidence from the scene: Physical evidence, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and the final resting positions of the vehicles, can be used to reconstruct the accident sequence and allocate fault.

Even if you are partially at fault for your car accident, that does not automatically bar you from recovering damages. Even if you are found partially at fault in a multi-car accident, your recovery may only be reduced, not completely denied. It is advisable to consult with an attorney who is experienced in personal injury or car accident cases to understand your rights and responsibilities and to help you navigate the legal and insurance aspects of a multi-car accident.

Determining fault in these multi-fault accidents requires assessing each driver's level of responsibility. This includes considering eyewitness accounts, examining physical evidence from the scene, and potentially involving accident reconstruction experts. Contact the personal injury lawyers from Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000 to begin the legal process. 

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney 

The car accident attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek have achieved many notable successes for their clients. These successes include a $2 million dollar jury award for an individual involved in a car accident. The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek are also responsible for obtaining a $117 million dollar jury award for an individual involved in a car accident with an ambulance. This victory marks the single largest personal injury award in Louisiana history. 

Hiring an attorney to handle your multi-car accident litigation is one of the most important steps you can take. Contact the experienced lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000. We are standing by to answer your questions and to help you begin the legal process.