How to Determine Fault in Multiple-Car Collisions
Posted Friday, June 5, 2020 by Chris Thayer
Statistics, unfortunately, show that car accidents result in serious injury or death all the time. However, multiple car pile-ups can result in catastrophic injuries to multiple victims, making it difficult to determine fault and liability. If you suffered any injuries as a result of being involved in a multiple-car collision, you may find it challenging to determine how to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
*Determining Fault in Multiple-Car Collisions *First, it is important to note that insurance companies will likely have independent investigators making determinations regarding fault and liability as a result of multiple car collisions. In order to truly ensure that your legal rights are protected, you should visit with an experienced personal injury attorney who can conduct an independent investigation to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Many insurance companies will attempt to use their investigation in order to remove any type of liability or fault for their drivers. The determination of fault in multiple car collisions is extremely challenging and complex, and may require the resources of expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists. Some of the questions that an investigator me ask with respect to determining fault and liability regarding a multiple car collision could include the following:
- Were the roads unsafe at the time of the accident? Was there any road construction? Bad or serious weather conditions? Potholes? Debris in the roadway? Anything that would obstruct the driver’s view or ability to operate a motor vehicle safely?
- Did the driver of any vehicle violate any local or state traffic laws, or receive any citations from law enforcement following the accident?
- Did an investigation determine that any driver operated a motor vehicle under the influence of either drugs or alcohol?
- Were there any rear-end accidents involved within the multiple car collision pile up? This is important because while the car that rear-ends another car may have some form of liability, there are typically large chain reactions that occur within multiple car collisions. However, knowing if there are any rear-end accidents can lead investigators to determine whether or not the driver of that vehicle was operating while texting and driving or distracted in some way.
- Was any driver attempting to make a left-hand turn?
- What did law enforcement regarding the multiple car collision in their official police report?
- Did any surrounding businesses, or a stoplight near the vicinity of the multiple car collision have any video regarding the accident?
- What were the positions of all the vehicles involved in the multiple car collision after all vehicles were fully stopped? This is important as it can help accident reconstruction Specialists make determinations regarding liability and fault.
- Were any of the vehicles involved in the multiple car collision a commercial truck or semi-truck? Many of these types of vehicles contain a black box data recorder which could help in the investigation of the collision with respect to liability and fault.
*Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney *If you were involved in a multiple car collision, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers with the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, and Issaquah areas.