Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents involving two cars or more are considered multiple car accidents. However, when many people consider multi-car accidents, they often think of accidents involving several vehicles. While car accidents involving two cars can be complicated, it can be challenging to understand who may be at fault and how holding them responsible for negligence factors into the equation when additional vehicles are involved. A firm like Hall-Justice can share that the legal process is difficult to understand and can vary profoundly when multiple parties are involved. A lawyer can play an integral role in assisting victims in building a case that identifies the parties that should be held responsible for the victim’s losses.
Car Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles
At some point in a person’s life, they’ve either witnessed a multi-car pile-up on the highway or have seen news coverage of one on the evening news. Unfortunately, multi-car pile-ups typically happen on interstates where drivers travel at high speeds. Unfortunately, pile-ups can be among the most deadly of car collisions and, at times, can involve hundreds of cars. One mistake made by a driver can result in a tragedy which may occur for any number of reasons, including:
- Inclement Weather
- Fatigued Driving
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence
These factors can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a chain reaction as the cars traveling in their path will be driving at high speeds and unable to respond or stop in time. The repercussions of accidents that cause a chain reaction can result in far-reaching consequences, forcing victims to suffer severe injuries and families left to grieve the loss of their loved ones.
Determining Fault in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
One of the most complicated aspects of a car accident involving several vehicles is determining who is at fault for the accident. It’s important to note that this will depend on several factors, especially the negligence laws within the state. Additionally, one of the most important aspects will be determining the events that transpired on the day of the accident. More than three vehicles must be involved for a car accident to be called a chain reaction. While most car accidents involving several cars result from one party’s actions, in many cases, this party can be held at fault for their actions. However, victims should note that this will be contingent upon case details and the accident’s specifics. It’s possible in some situations for multiple parties to be held at fault for the accident.
Understanding Negligence in Indiana
While one driver may have caused the initial collection, subsequent collisions can occur due to the negligence of other drivers who contributed to the accident. For example, suppose the initial driver who caused the accident caused another driver who was driving too closely to hit another car, or another driver was texting while driving. In that case, they may also be responsible for the accident. When determining fault in accidents of this nature, it’s crucial for a car accident lawyer, to carefully examine comparative negligence laws within the state. Indiana recognizes a modified comparative negligence law, meaning the victim must be less than 51% responsible for the accident to seek damages for their losses. Because of this, victims can be at least a portion at fault for the accident and still pursue legal action, as long as they are less than 51% liable for the accident.
Cases involving a chain reaction are profoundly challenging. Knowing what to do and how to move forward can be daunting for accident victims, so it may be in the victim’s best interest to consider support from a legal representative.