While many motor vehicle accidents involve only one or two drivers, some of the most devastating crashes involve three or more motorists. Determining fault in a multi-vehicle car accident is similar to any other collision. That said, there are unique factors that are important to consider.
If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you could be entitled to monetary compensation from more than one party. Let our firm help you review your options and advise you on your path forward.
Determining Liability in a Multi-Car Accident
Determining who is at fault in a multi-car accident can be complicated. While the same factors that result in any car wreck can be present, there is the possibility that multiple acts by more than one person or entity combined to cause your car crash.
It is not uncommon for a single motorist to be responsible for a large multi-car collision. For example, when one driver travels far above the posted speed limit, they could strike multiple other drivers should they lose control.
How the Multi-Car Accident Happened Can Affect the Outcome of Your Case
In other cases, the negligence of two or more motorists could combine to cause a crash. Consider the following example. One driver on a busy highway is traveling at an unsafe speed. In the lane next to them, another motorist veers into their path without signaling a lane change.
If a collision results, both of these drivers could share in the fault. If that collision resulted in the injury of a third party, both of these careless motorists could be on the hook for their monetary damages.
There are also potential factors outside of the motorists involved in the crash. For example:
- A mechanical defect in one or more of the involved vehicles could result in a multiple-vehicle crash.
- Poor road conditions could also be a factor. If the city, state, or federal government tasked with ensuring a road is safe fails to maintain it in working order, they could face liability for any accidents that occur.
For a free legal consultation, call (972) 535-6377
Establishing Liability at Trial
It is one thing to know that one or more individuals were responsible for your accident. It is another thing to be able to prove it before a jury of your peers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly half of all fatal accidents involve multiple vehicles.
If you were involved in this type of crash, securing fair compensation could require strong evidence at trial. Some of this evidence includes:
Video Evidence
Video evidence can be vital in establishing liability in a multi-vehicle crash. This video could come from a few different sources. Some accidents—especially those in intersections—could be captured on traffic cameras.
Other accidents might be recorded on the dashcams of the vehicles involved in the crash. Finally, some businesses have security cameras that record the street near their location. This video could be instrumental in determining how a crash occurred.
Witness Statements
Many times a multi-car collision will have one or more independent witnesses that see the crash occur. Their testimony could be invaluable at trial for multiple reasons. First, the testimony of an independent witness could give the jury a clear picture of how a crash occurred.
This is especially powerful evidence in cases where the accident was not captured on video. Additionally, juries give substantial weight to the testimony of eyewitnesses to a crash. This is especially true if the individual has no connection to any of the parties in the accident.
Given the importance of their testimony, it is vital to secure the contact information of all witnesses to an accident before they leave the scene of the crash.
Party Admissions
Some of the most powerful evidence when it comes to determining fault in a multi-car accident comes from the mouth of the at-fault driver. If the driver responsible for the crash admits to liability at the accident scene, we could use it against them at trial.
Expert Testimony
Often, an expert witness can provide unique insight into what causes a multi-car collision. Their testimony is especially powerful in cases where something other than driver negligence is to blame.
An expert witness could explain to the jury why the failure to repair the roadway resulted in the crash. Alternatively, they could show a jury why a defective part was to blame for the accident.
Discuss Your Multi-Car Accident Claim With an Attorney Today
If you have questions about determining fault in a multi-vehicle car accident, the team at Underwood Law Office could have the answers. We are prepared to evaluate your case and advise you on our theory of liability. Then, once we identify the at-fault party, we can help you pursue legal action to recover the compensation you deserve.
To get started on your injury claim following a multi-vehicle car crash, contact Underwood Law Office today for a free consultation.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
