How Is a Multiple-Vehicle Accident Different From a Two-Car Crash?

Simply put, a multi-vehicle accident differs from a two-car crash because it involves more vehicles. This may mean cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or any other type of vehicle on the road.

In addition, however, there are many ways in which a multi-vehicle accident can prove to be more complicated than a crash that involves only one or two cars. For starters, several parties and insurance companies might be involved, which can complicate matters. Different parties may have different recollections of what happened and goals of what they would like to see as the outcome of the claims involved.

Also, as we discuss below, the issues of liability and damages may be more difficult to parse out, ascertain, and prove when you file a claim to compensate you for your injuries. There might be several different laws involved, and there might also be conflicting versions of the facts or contradictory evidence in the case.

A multi-vehicle crash can fall into several different categories of accidents, including the following:

• Multi-vehicle pile-ups
• Head-on collisions
• Side collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Chain reaction collisions

What Causes Multiple Vehicle Pile-Ups?

Several factors, behaviors, and events can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups. These include:

• High speed or failure to slow down
• Suddenly slamming on the brakes
• Poor visibility, bad weather, or poor road conditions
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Reckless or careless driving
• Not paying attention to the road

Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Accident?

Several factors can make a multi-vehicle accident more complicated than one that involves fewer vehicles, and there are serious questions of liability when multiple parties are involved–after all. One of the most important things that must be determined is the party responsible for the accident and the ensuing financial damages that the victim incurs. Generally, in order to recover compensation for those damages, you will need to prove both liability and the full extent of the damages you seek to recover.

It is possible that multiple parties might be found liable for the accident, particularly if there are multiple parties whose behavior or actions contributed to the crash. For example, take a three-car pile-up. Let’s say that the third car’s driver was going too fast for the conditions at the time of the collision, slamming into the car in front of them, which in turn slammed into your car.

The distracted driver will likely face liability, as they did something – in this case, speeding – which was the cause of the accident. But let’s say the car in front of them was also partially at fault, perhaps by being on their phone while driving–that driver may also face liability, as their distracted driving contributed to the crash.

What If There Are Multiple People at Fault for My Injuries?

When multiple parties are liable for the accident, you may be able to bring a claim against each of them, or all of them at once, under a legal concept known as joint and several liability. This concept allows you to sue any and all of the parties who caused your injuries and hold them liable for the damages you have suffered. If it turns out that each party was at least partially liable for the accident, you will be able to recover compensation potentially from each one, though your total compensation will not exceed the full amount of your damages.

Generally, it will be up to the jury to decide how much liability to attach to each party. It is important to note here that if you were at all at fault for the accident or contributed to it–perhaps by doing something wrong or neglectful while you were driving–then your damages may be reduced by the amount that is attributed to your responsibility for the accident, under a legal concept known as comparative or contributory negligence.

In essence, this means that if you were partially at fault for the multi-car accident, you would only be able to recover compensation for the portion of your damages that were not attributable to your own fault. No matter who is at fault for a multi-vehicle accident, it is important to understand the potential complexities involved in these types of cases and to seek help from an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.

How Can Johnson Garcia Help With Your Multi-Vehicle Accident Claim?

A car accident involving multiple vehicles, multiple parties, and multiple issues of negligence can be complex, raising various questions of liability and damages, particularly when insurance companies are involved. It is essential that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney after a multi-vehicle accident so that you can ensure you receive sound advice about your legal rights, your potential next steps, and your options for recovering compensation.

The attorneys at Johnson Garcia have more than 35 years of experience in helping victims of even the most serious truck accidents obtain sizable settlements and resolve their claims. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence, call our Houston-based legal team at Johnson Garcia.

If the other party or their insurance company is not negotiating fairly, the personal injury attorneys at Johnson Garcia will file a lawsuit on your behalf and take your case to trial, if needed. We can be reached by phone at 832-844-6700, or you can contact us online.