Determining fault in a pile-up crash can be challenging because of the number of potentially responsible parties. Evaluating who is liable in a multi-car accident means carefully examining the drivers’ actions. For example, your lawyer will investigate whether someone ran a red light, was following too closely, or was intoxicated. Learn more about multi-vehicle accident fault determination and more from our blogs.
If you suffered injuries in a rear-end multi-vehicle collision, an experienced personal injury attorney can assess the available evidence to determine who may be liable for your injuries and financial losses, research traffic laws for chain-reaction accidents, and build a strong case on your behalf.
How Fault Is Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
To determine the fault of a multi-vehicle accident, your lawyer will look at each driver’s actions and who initially acted negligently. That act may have set a chain reaction accident in motion, which ultimately caused your injuries. For example, if one car was tailgating another vehicle that abruptly stopped to avoid a hazard in the road, that rear-end collision could be the start of a multi-car pileup.
Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents is undoubtedly tricky and requires a careful review of critical evidence. Evidence for proving fault in a multi-car crash may be obtained through traffic cameras or video surveillance footage from a local business that captured the events leading up to the crash. Witness statements in car accident claims can also serve as crucial evidence to establish fault in a multi-vehicle crash case.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Like any motor vehicle accident, multi-vehicle car crashes occur for several reasons, including the following:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are distracted when texting or talking on their phones can cause accidents if they fail to recognize traffic stopping in front of them and do not brake in time to avoid a collision.
- Driving under the influence – Intoxicated drivers have delayed reaction times and impaired judgment when they get behind the wheel after drinking or using illegal drugs.
- Speeding – Drivers who fail to travel at the posted speed limits or who drive too fast for conditions lack the necessary reaction time to avoid accidents.
- Aggressive driving – Aggressive driving behaviors, such as making unsafe lane changes and failing to yield when necessary, are dangerous and increase the possibility of accidents, including multi-vehicle crashes.
- Tailgating – Another form of aggressive driving, following too closely or tailgating, reduces a driver’s reaction time and can result in one (or multiple) rear-end collisions.
- Poor weather conditions – Inclement Rhode Island weather can cause hazardous road conditions, resulting in accidents. Decreased visibility due to fog or slippery roads from heavy rains or ice can quickly develop, increasing the likelihood of multi-vehicle accidents.
Contributory vs. Comparative in Accidents
Rhode Island is a pure comparative negligence state. What does this mean? Even if you were partially at fault in the accident, you can still receive money for your injuries and losses. However, the percentage of fault a jury assigns you will reduce your compensation accordingly. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% at fault for the accident, you will recover 80% of your total financial losses.
This negligence standard differs from other states with modified comparative or contributory negligence standards. A modified comparative negligence jurisdiction bars you from recovering any money if you are 50% or 51% (depending on the state) at fault for the accident. You can still receive some compensation, but like in a pure comparative fault state, the law reduces what you receive based on your assigned fault under that threshold. The contributory negligence standard bars any recovery if you were slightly at fault, even 1%.
What Steps You Should Take If You Are In A Multi-Vehicle Accident
If you sustain injuries in a multi-vehicle accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. It is important to have a medical provider evaluate you even if you do not feel badly hurt, as not all injuries are immediately evident. Once your condition is stable, consider taking the following steps to protect your legal rights.
Call Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible after an accident, call your insurance carrier to report the crash, regardless of whether you may be at fault. Your policy likely requires you to notify the company in the event of an accident. To ensure you receive the coverage you are eligible for under the policy, be sure to cooperate with your company’s investigation of the accident. How insurance determines fault in multi-vehicle crashes can be confusing, but your attorney can assist you in communicating and negotiating with your insurer if necessary.
Collect Available Evidence
Assuming you are physically able, return to the accident site to take pictures of the location, including traffic signs or signals in the area, or other conditions that could have contributed to the crash, such as low-hanging tree branches or loose gravel. You should also take pictures of your vehicle and injuries. You may consider obtaining a copy of the police report for the accident.
Create a File
Keep any evidence you collect, along with your medical records and bills, in a file. You can provide this to your attorney at your initial meeting, which can help them understand how the accident occurred and evaluate the strength of your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
By retaining a lawyer shortly after the accident, you will have the legal advocate you need to help you through the process. Your lawyer will gather the necessary evidence to support your claims and help you secure the money you deserve.
Contact Our Firm Today
Were you injured in a multi-vehicle accident? Call our law firm today at (401) 751-8855. At The Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd., we know how multi-car accident insurance claims work and can help you navigate the claims and litigation process. You can work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Rhode Island who will fight for the compensation you deserve. You do not have to navigate the Rhode Island legal system alone. We will assess the chain reaction accident fault and evaluate the full extent of your losses so we can demand your maximum compensation. Start your case today by speaking to one of our lawyers in a free consultation.
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