How does Insurance Work in a Multi-Car Accident?

Since Texas is an at-fault state, victims in multi-car accidents may have to make a claim with multiple parties’ insurers. This can be a complicated process, but you have the right to legal representation along the way. Insurers could argue back and forth about liability when multiple parties are involved. 

A legal team can conduct an independent investigation into the accident to determine liability. Then, they can go after each liable party for financial recovery. 

Whose Insurance Policy Applies in a Multi-Car Accident?

You may have a couple of options when filing an insurance claim after a multi-car accident. Usually, in Texas, victims file a claim under the at-fault party’s policy; however, they can file a claim with their own insurers if they opted for collision coverage or additional coverage options. 

It all depends on how much coverage you have in your policy, so make sure to check. If you file a claim with another party’s insurer, there’s a chance that they may undervalue or deny your claim. Your losses may even exceed the coverage available through another party’s policy. 

For example, according to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), drivers only have to carry $30,000 in liability coverage for injuries per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. 

Making an Insurance Claim After a Multi-Car Accident Is Not Easy

As we said before, insurers may work to shift all or part of the blame for a multi-car accident onto you. Insurers may drag their feet, disputing liability or percentages of liability for as long as they can. 

On top of the complicated claims process, your losses after a multi-car accident could mount. You may experience greater property damage or more severe injuries in these kinds of accidents. 

How do Insurance Adjusters Determine Fault in Multi-Car Accidents?

Part of what complicates determining fault in a multi-car accident is the task of collecting evidence. Each insurance company will have to investigate the accident, and there can be an abundance of evidence in a multi-car accident. Insurance adjusters will gather:

  • Photos of the damage
  • Any available footage of the scene of the accident, such as from a dash cam or traffic camera
  • Statements from each driver involved in the accident
  • Eyewitness accounts
  • Police reports
  • Medical documentation

Once they have investigated the accident, they will assign percentages of fault to some or all of the drivers involved. This is when victims may see their claims undervalued or denied. 

What Happens if an Insurer Denies Your Claim After a Multi-Car Accident?

You have another option if an insurer denies your claim after a multi-car accident. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable parties. A car accident lawyer from our firm can help you do this. They can:

  • Gather evidence of negligence
  • Consult your doctors to get an understanding of your losses
  • File a lawsuit and handle all the paperwork
  • Negotiate for financial recovery
  • Represent you in a trial

If you lost a loved one in a multi-car accident, our wrongful death lawyers can handle the legal process while you grieve in peace. They can seek recovery for your loved one’s funeral expenses, the income they would have provided, and other losses. 

You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit

According to Texas law, you generally only have two years to file a legal action for a car accident. If you exceed this time limit, you risk seeing the court dismiss your case. Insurers can take a long time to process claims for multi-car accidents. 

We can help you streamline your case and comply with any relevant deadlines, but the process still takes time. The sooner we begin working on your case, the better we can protect your right to financial recovery. 

Potential Financial Recovery After a Multi-Car Accident

Multi-car accident losses can be grave, and we can help you pursue recovery for them. We may go after recovery for:

  • Your medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Disability
  • Loss of quality of life

If an insurance policy does not fairly cover your losses, we can seek a verdict in court. We will not hesitate to argue your case before a judge or jury to seek the financial recovery you and your family deserve. 

We Can Help With an Insurance Claim for a Multi-Car Accident

After suffering car accident injuries, the last thing you want to deal with is the stress of a legal case. Whether you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, the process can be complex. A lawyer from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC® can help so you can focus on your health. 

Access a free case evaluation by calling us today. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin working on your case.