How Fault Is Determined in a Multi-car Accident

Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deaths in collisions involving multi-vehicle accidents increased by 16% in 2021? This incident-specific data saw the biggest year-over-year increase. Personal injury numbers were even higher!

Even though a multi-car accident may appear chaotic and perplexing, it may have obvious causes and effects. You might be curious about who is to blame if there were multi-vehicles involved in the collision. The truth is that there are so many variables at play in these incidents that determining fault is tough.

But some typical situations result in multi-car collisions. Being aware of these will assist and safeguard innocent people in the future. Read on to learn what a multi-car accident is and what you should do if you’re in one.

What Is a Multi-Car Accident?

When there is more than one automobile, motorcycle, or truck involved in an accident, it is a multi-car accident. So it doesn’t matter if there are three cars engaged, four cars involved, or more. It is still a multiple-vehicle collision.

Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

Finding the negligent motorist is a determining factor in assigning blame in a multi-vehicle auto accident. It is not easy to pinpoint who was at fault in a collision between several vehicles. When there are more than two cars in a collision, the negligent driver’s actions can cause other vehicles to imitate what they did.

Think about when the force of a rear-end collision pushes one automobile into the back of another. It causes a domino effect.

There are several causes of multi-vehicle car accidents. Poor road conditions, inclement weather, and distracted driving can contribute to impairing a driver’s visibility, resulting in an accident.

If you choose to take legal action, you can speak with a personal injury attorney to help determine who is responsible. You will need to receive fair compensation to make up for the losses you suffered. Missing work from your injuries and damage to your vehicle from the accident plays a part in financial suffering.

It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in car accidents involving several vehicles. The implementation of no-fault or at-fault laws in your state affects how fault is assigned. To show fault for a collision involving many vehicles, you will need a large amount of evidence.

Assigning Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident

In most cases, the motorist who was negligent and caused the multi-vehicle accident will be held accountable. Sometimes the person responsible for creating the domino effect may appear obvious. But, that is not always the case.

Every multi-vehicle auto collision is different. So investigators will need to do a thorough analysis of what happened to provide a verdict that is fair to all parties involved.

Drivers involved in a multi-car accident may point a finger at the individual they believe caused the collision. In doing so, they refuse to accept any responsibility.

Witnesses and other drivers may assume that the motorist who started the chain reaction is responsible. But, this may not end up being the case. Finding fault in a serious multi-car accident is rarely that easy.

The Importance of Witnesses

In situations like this, it is important to have witnesses who were not involved in the accident. They often act as impartial witnesses, and their accounts will likely have a basis on what they saw. The drivers who caused the collision have a stake in not accepting responsibility.

They might think that what occurred was the result of negligence on the part of the individual who caused the first incident. Of course, it is plausible that several drivers in a collision involving multiple vehicles did nothing wrong.

If several witnesses support one another, it can strengthen a case that may otherwise be challenging to resolve. After an automobile accident involving several vehicles, it is crucial to involve bystanders. Mark down their name, phone number, and other contact information.

To investigate fault in a multi-car accident and assign liability, it’s critical to identify each vehicle and its owner as soon as possible. Determining fault in a multi-car accident can be complicated and depends on which driver was initially negligent. This is why witnesses provide the case with crucial information.

Law Enforcement Involvement

You should call the police to file an accident report. This report will include crucial information for determining liability later. Police will pay close attention to the details.

If any video surveillance is available, they will review it and take images. There will often be a lot of data in the police report that can be examined to identify who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident.

Seek Out Legal Help

It may be smart to retain legal counsel if you want to pursue a fair financial recovery. In a multi-vehicle auto collision, which by definition makes determining fault difficult, you might not want to rely on the insurance company to assign blame.

Car accident attorneys can fight for the best result for you because insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. If your lawyer has enough proof, they can show how the accident affected you.

No-Fault and At-Fault States

In no-fault states, each driver’s insurance often provides personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage for their injuries. But, you may still pursue a case against the at-fault driver for the property damage you incurred.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability insurance covers the policyholder’s legal obligations to third parties for property damage or physical harm in at-fault states. The policyholder’s car has coverage under comprehensive collision insurance for property damage.

States may also recognize pure contributory negligence and comparative negligence. This may have an impact on responsibility and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and other damages. 

Have You Been in a Multi-Car Accident?

Following an auto accident is a scary and uncertain time. You have questions and very few answers. We can help.

If you have been in a multi-car accident, contact Alpha Accident Lawyers. We work only for you and will fight for your rights and the fair compensation you deserve.