Who Is Liable For Multi-Vehicle Pile Ups?

When three or more vehicles are involved in a multi vehicle pile up, drivers and passengers may sustain serious, even catastrophic injuries. Because of the potential for high exposure, the drivers’ insurance companies may try to blame other motorists, making it difficult to determine who was actually at fault for causing the crash. Proving liability for a multi vehicle pile up can prove exceedingly difficult, but the car accident injury attorneys at McKinney Vos can help.

Causes of Multi Vehicle Pile Ups in Texas

Many circumstances can cause a multi vehicle pileup, such as:

• Trucking or commercial vehicle accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Failure to account for road conditions
• Vehicle malfunctions
• Poor vehicle maintenance

While each of these car accident causes may seem different, they share a common factor of driver negligence. Unfortunately, proving negligence in a Texas multi vehicle pile up can be a complicated and contentious process.

Determining Liability for a Texas Multi Vehicle Pile Up

A multi vehicle pile up is a car accident that involves three or more vehicles that collide with one another in quick succession. Multi vehicle pile ups often happen on highways, freeways, and other busy roads where vehicles travel at high speeds.

A multi vehicle pile up is a frightening type of crash that can cause extensive damage, injuries, and even death. Ultimately, the driver who failed to observe their duty of care to other motorists is the one who is liable for causing the crash. But proving which driver was at fault is rarely as straightforward as it seems.

How to Prove Liability for a Multi Vehicle Pile Up

Proving liability in a multi vehicle pile up can present unique challenges. Eyewitness accounts may not be reliable and the accident report may not capture the full story, especially if the officer wasn’t there to witness the crash, which can make assessing liability more difficult. In addition, insurance companies may try to shift blame to someone else in an effort to protect their insured and reduce settlement payouts. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you navigate these challenges and obtain the compensation you deserve.

It’s not uncommon for several parties to be at fault, and if your injuries warrant it, you should be able to go after multiple drivers involved.

When a multi vehicle pile up causes injuries, the car accident injury lawyers at McKinney Vos can analyze the crash to determine liability. Our typical investigation can include:

• A careful analysis of the crash scene, including vehicle damage, tire marks, traffic conditions, signage, and other details
• Witness interviews
• A detailed evaluation of photos, videos, traffic camera footage, and other evidence
• Reviewing police reports from officers who responded to the scene
• Working with expert accident reconstructionists to explain the cause of the multi vehicle pile up
• Evaluating medical records and meeting with our client’s physicians for insight into how our client’s injuries occurred

In some cases, more than one driver is at fault for causing the multi vehicle pile up. When multiple drivers share liability, it is crucial to determine each driver’s degree of responsibility for causing the crash.

Comparative Fault in a Texas Multi Vehicle Pile Up

Texas is a modified comparative fault state, which means that a person’s compensation for personal injuries can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. A driver who is less than 51% at fault can still recover financial compensation for injuries suffered in a multi vehicle pile up, but the amount of the recovery will be reduced by their proportionate percentage of fault.

Navigating this complex and contentious area of Texas personal injury law is challenging, especially when it comes to calculating fault to determine the monetary damages an injured victim can recover. Our personal injury lawyers can evaluate your situation, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

How McKinney Vos Can Help After a Multi Vehicle Pile Up

Proving liability for a multi vehicle pile up and dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task, especially when there are multiple parties involved and you are trying to heal from your injuries. The car accident injury lawyers at McKinney Vos can evaluate your situation, help you navigate the challenges of proving liability in a multi vehicle pile up accident, and fight to obtain the compensation you deserve.

In multi vehicle accidents, the severity of the injuries may mean limited insurance coverage is available. In these situations, you must understand your rights and options when it comes to resolving your personal injury claim with the insurance companies.

Working with a lawyer who has experience handling multi vehicle pile up accident claims helps ensure you explore all available avenues for compensation. McKinney Vos will work to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable for the harm they caused. To learn more, contact McKinney Vos today to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your situation.