Determining Fault In a Multi-Car Crash
When a car accident occurs, it is important to determine who is responsible for the collision. The at-fault party should be held liable for resulting accident damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Determining accident liability can be complex even if only two cars are involved in a crash, but the matter gets even more complicated when multiple vehicles are involved.
The car accident lawyers at Zucker & Regev, P.C. can assist accident victims in the Brooklyn, NY, area in proving fault in a multi-car crash so that they can go after liable parties for the full extent of economic and non-economic accident losses.
Who Is At Fault for a Multi-Car Crash?
When considering fault in a multi-car crash, it is best to evaluate the start of the accident, or the first point of impact, and determine which driver’s initial act of negligence led to the collision. In many cases, the driver who causes that first impact is also responsible for subsequent crashes, because they start a domino effect. For instance, if one driver rear ends another vehicle, that vehicle can be pushed into the car in front of them, and so forth.
While the driver who causes the first series of events in a multi-car crash is likely to bear responsibility for all resulting collisions, that is not always the case. Any driver who fails to practice their duty of care to keep other drivers safe may be found at least partially liable for accident damages. So even if a multi-car crash is started by one driver, if another driver’s reckless or negligent actions cause a secondary impact, they may also bear responsibility for the accident.
Proving Accident Liability
Determining accident liability for a multi-car crash tends to be particularly complex because there are numerous people involved and most are quick to point the finger at other drivers, even though they don’t have the entire picture. Because there are various points of view, it is especially important to work with third-party sources when proving fault for a multi-car crash.
Gather Witness Testimony
Witness testimony can be extremely helpful when assigning liability for a multi-car crash. Witnesses are impartial observers, so they have no stake in who is found at-fault. They also may see parts of the accident that those involved in the crash are unaware of. Even if a witness only sees one part of an accident, their testimony can be combined with other witness statements to create a clearer picture of what caused the accident.
File a Police Report
We urge Brooklyn drivers to file a police report for any car accident that causes property damage or injury. In a multi-vehicle crash, a police report can be especially helpful in proving fault for the collision. The responding police officer will create a detailed report that contains evidence that is directly relevant to accident liability.
Work With an Attorney
Insurance companies consider witness testimony and police reports when assigning accident liability, but they ultimately have their own best interests in mind. That is why it is a good idea to work with a knowledgeable car accident attorney following an accident, rather than relying solely on insurance companies. Our Brooklyn attorneys work with experts in the field to recreate an accident and determine liability.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a multi-car crash, the car accident attorneys at Zucker & Regev, P.C. can gather evidence to prove liability so that you can be justly compensated for your losses. To discuss the details of your crash, send us a message online or call (718) 624-1211 to schedule a consultation with our attorneys.
