When a multi-car accident happens, multiple parties may share liability. Some potentially liable parties may not even be immediately noticeable. For example, if a road defect caused or contributed to the collision, the local government agency that oversees the road may even share the fault.
An insurance adjuster will investigate the accident and assign the involved parties a percentage of fault. This determination will also affect how much you may receive in insurance coverage. You have the right to hire a lawyer to help with your claim or personal injury lawsuit after a multi-car accident.
How Do Multi-Car Accidents Occur?
Multi-car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Typically, the first scenario that comes to mind is a three-car pileup. In this situation, two drivers fail to leave enough space between them and the car in front of them, leading to a domino effect of rear-end accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than 3,000 crashes occurred in 2021 due to following too closely.
In another situation, a car making an illegal left turn may send another vehicle crashing into a third party to try to avoid an accident. TxDOT reported more than 3,000 crashes in 2021 resulting from unsafe turns. Even a simple error, like not checking a blind spot in a parking lot, can cause an accident involving multiple vehicles.
Other Potentially Liable Parties in a Multi-Car Accident
Aside from the drivers directly involved in a multi-car accident, several other potentially liable parties may come into play. Driver error may have only contributed to an accident. Other causes of multi-car accidents can include defective auto parts and poorly maintained roads, for example.
In these cases, an auto part manufacturer or a governing entity may share liability. Insurers will consider any contributing factor when determining fault for an accident.
How Do Insurers Determine Liability in Multi-Car Accidents?
When multiple cars are involved in an accident, insurers will investigate any claims victims file. They assign adjusters who make a determination of fault, and they may assign portions of the fault to each driver involved. It all depends on what they discover in their investigation.
They use pictures of the damage to the vehicles, any available surveillance of the scene, and witness testimonies to come to a conclusion about fault.
How Can a Multi-Car Accident Lawyer Help?
In multi-car accident cases, insurers may end up arguing at length and disputing liability. You can hire a car accident lawyer who can conduct their own investigation. They can help gather evidence to counter an insurance adjuster’s determination of fault.
Aside from investigating your case and gathering evidence, a lawyer from our firm can help by:
- Filing your claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Negotiating a settlement
- Handling all the paperwork associated with your case
- Submitting documents within relevant deadlines
- Keeping you updated on your case
- Representing you in a trial
You didn’t get into a multi-car accident alone, and you don’t need to deal with your case alone, either. Our firm represents personal injury victims, and we can put our resources to work for you.
Potential Financial Recovery for a Multi-Car Accident
Multi-car accidents can be more severe than two-vehicle accidents. For example, if multiple cars rear-end each other, drivers in the middle may suffer damage to both the front and back of their vehicles.
You can seek recovery for your accident-related losses. You may recover the following:
- Medical bills for your immediate and ongoing care
- Lost wages if you took time off work
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Disability
Our lawyers can account for both your current and future losses and seek financial recovery.
Seeking Recovery After Losing a Loved One
If you lost a loved one in a multi-car accident, our wrongful death lawyers can handle your case. You may recover:
- Your loved one’s funeral expenses
- Loss of inheritance for the income they would have provided
- Loss of consortium for the companionship they would have offered
- Your loved one’s medical bills
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- Lost wages if you took time off work to tend to your loved one
We can seek recovery while you honor your loved one’s memory in peace.
We Can Determine Liability in a Multi-Car Accident
If you suffered injuries in a multi-car accident in Texas, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC® can handle your case. Our lawyers can determine liability and negotiate for financial recovery from an insurer. If an adjuster tries to shift the blame for the accident onto you, we can argue on your behalf using evidence from our own investigation.
You can access a free case evaluation when you call us or fill out our online form.
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