Multi-car pileups can be legally tricky because there are a number of scenarios that could cause them. Essentially, you would file your claim against the driver who was responsible for the entire accident. However, it is not always readily apparent at the time of the crash who was to blame. You may be dealing with multiple insurance companies, each of which is trying to shift the blame to the other to avoid paying. Like any car accident case, you need the help of an experienced lawyer to help you get the money that you deserve.
Your Options in an Accident Caused by a Rear-End Crash
Multi-car pileups can take on a number of forms. Perhaps the most common type of multi-car pileup is a “chain-reaction” crash. Here, one driver has “rear-ended” the vehicle that is in front of them. Because other vehicles are following closely behind, they may end up involved in the crash because they are not able to stop in time to avoid it.
In this type of crash, it is usually the first driver to rear-end another car who is to blame for the accident. They are presumed to be “negligent” when they rear-end a car in front of them. Because that action is the cause of the entirety of the crash that has injured all of the drivers, it would be the motorist who is legally responsible to pay everyone’s damages.
Your Options in an Accident Where One Driver Lost Control of Their Car
Other multi-car crashes result when one driver makes another similarly careless action that affects other motorists. For example, a driver can fail to check their blind spots before they change lanes. Then, they may side swipe another driver who is forced out of their lane. Other drivers may try to avoid the accident in front of them on the road, and they could either strike another vehicle or lose control of their own cars. Typically, the driver whose actions sparked the initial chain reaction is to blame for the accident.
However, there may be other complicating factors involved in multi-car pileup cases. Other drivers still have the legal obligation to act reasonably under the circumstances. A subsequent driver who was involved in the crash may have had the opportunity to stop in time if they were not distracted or speeding. You can expect the insurance company to give close scrutiny to every driver’s actions when they are filing a claim for compensation.
Then, you may be faced with the situation in which there are several injured motorists or passengers who are all seeking payment from the same insurance coverage. Each driver has a limited amount of coverage, and they may not have the money to pay for uncovered damages out of their own pocket. As such, you may need to file a claim against your own underinsured motorist policy when there is not enough money elsewhere to pay for your injuries. Insurance companies are not any easier on claims when they are filed by their own paying customers.
Contact a Fayetteville Car Accident Lawyer at Osborne Law Firm if You Are Seeking Compensation for Injuries Suffered in a Multi-Vehicle Crash
A Fayetteville car accident lawyer at Osborne Law Firm can work for you to be fully compensated for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, submit our online contact form or call today at 479-521-7727. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we gladly serve clients in the surrounding areas.