Proving the facts about any car accident can be challenging, but that can be even more true when it comes to multi-car accidents. Keep reading to determine why this is and how you can best prove who was at fault in an accident you were involved in. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 right away if you require a free legal consultation.
The Importance of Proving Fault
Of course, proving fault is important not just to prove who is “right” and who is “wrong,” but who is going to be held responsible for compensating victims for their damages. The person who is at fault is legally obligated to pay these damages, but their insurance company is very likely to deny that their insured was at fault. Proving that their insured is at fault is the first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
There is Often More Than One At-Fault Party
When multiple vehicles are involved, it is entirely possible that more than one driver is at fault. In California, each victim can recover damages for their injuries, minus their own percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if a truck driver is 25% at fault for a truck accident they are involved in, then they can recover 75% of their damages.
This is important because in some states, if a person is at fault even 1%, or if they are more than 50% at fault, then they cannot recover damages at all. California’s model of awarding damages means that even if a person knows they are partially at fault, they might still be able to pursue a personal injury action.
Many Multi-Car Accidents Involve Rear-End Crashes
It is often the case that when an accident involves many vehicles, it starts with one vehicle rear-ending another, which then pushes the car in front to hit the car in front of them – and there is then a chain reaction that can involve many vehicles. In this case, the car in the back is most likely at fault for the accident – but it is not as simple as that.
For example, what if all the vehicles were stopped at a red light and the driver in the back car was texting and did not stop. They would likely be at fault for all of the injuries. However, what if there was a driver further up the line that did not take actions that could have prevented them from hitting the vehicle in front of them? They would not be at fault for being hit from behind, but it is possible they could be found partially at fault for hitting the vehicle in front of them.
The good news about determining fault in a multi-car accident is that it is not up to you. When you work with a personal injury attorney like The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we can help establish and prove fault. Call us now at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
