Being involved in a car accident can be extremely overwhelming. Not only is it often more daunting to be involved in a pileup crash, but it also raises questions about liability when looking to seek compensation. You might be asking who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident when there are many drivers and vehicles involved. Who is liable for the accident? How can you recover compensation from the at-fault party?
The Houston car crash attorneys at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD want to help you understand how to deal with multi-vehicle accidents in order to better protect your rights in the event of a crash.
What Causes Multi-Car Crashes?
When three or more vehicles collide, it is known as a pileup or multi-car crash. There are many potential factors that can lead to a pileup:
- Inclement weather conditions, such as fog or slick roads.
- Driver error, like excessive speeding, fatigue, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Mechanical problems, such as a malfunctioning safety mechanism on a vehicle.
A pileup can occur when one car rear-ends another, causing it to collide with another. These types of accidents frequently happen at intersections. For example, when one motorist disobeys a traffic signal, forcing multiple vehicles to collide. Highway pileup crashes can involve dozens of vehicles traveling at high speeds, and these are possibly some of the most dangerous.
Who Is Liable for a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
It is not uncommon for many people to be responsible for a pileup crash. Take for example a collision at an intersection. One driver could run a red light and crash into another driver who is speeding. The driver of the second car is critically injured after colliding with a third vehicle. Both the first and second drivers contributed to the crash. After all, the third driver would not have been hurt if it weren’t for the reckless behavior of the first and second drivers. Does that mean that the injured party has to choose who they should sue for damages?
To put it simply, there is usually no reason to choose just one driver. The injured party may file claims against all of the parties who were at fault for the accident. You can file a lawsuit against any or all of the parties that are liable, and you can obtain damages from any or all defendants.
It is vital to keep in mind that you will have to prove each element of your claim against each defendant. If you file a negligence claim against two different drivers, you must show that each driver’s conduct directly contributed to your damages and that each motorist breached their duty to drive safely.
How to Determine Fault in a Pileup Crash
The jury, the key fact-finder in any personal injury case, is usually tasked with determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident. It is important to investigate and determine the cause of the first crash. Then, follow the rest of the chain reaction to determine who may be liable. This involves a comprehensive examination of the accident scene, the evidence gathered, and the statements of involved parties and witnesses.
In many cases, comparative negligence involves assigning a percentage of blame to each defendant. However, you may not know how that works. In the case of a three-car crash, let’s assume that the jury determines that, after carefully evaluating the facts, that the first driver who ran a red light acted more negligently. Even though both drivers contributed to the crash, the jury assigns 60% fault liability to the first driver and 40% fault liability to the speeding motorist.
When the level of fault is assigned, the burden of paying damages is usually distributed in the same way. In the situation we discussed above, the first driver would be responsible for 60% of the injured party’s losses and the second driver for the remaining 40%.
In a case involving a pileup crash, it is simple to see how complicated the question of liability and recovery can be. Proving liability and recovering damages without professional assistance can be challenging due to the number of parties involved. In addition to preparing an efficient lawsuit against several defendants, the process may also include negotiating with multiple insurance companies. This can be difficult for those suffering from serious injuries after a crash. That is why it is recommended that you consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Houston to discuss your case.
Auto Accident Lawyers in Houston
There are many laws governing liability that injured parties have a difficult time understanding. A Houston auto accident attorney will know how to improve your chances of getting a fair settlement. West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD can look into your accident and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Your attorney will also handle the insurance claims process, including interactions with the claims adjusters, in order to obtain the greatest potential settlement award.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD can help you maximize your claim for compensation and ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable.
Call West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD today at (713) 840-7200 to book a free, no-obligation consultation if you or a loved one has been unfairly injured in a car crash.
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