Who is at fault in a multi-vehicle crash? The driver who started the chain reaction that led to the multi-vehicle crash may be held responsible for the incident.
Speak with a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer if you were involved in a multi-vehicle collision. Your lawyer can investigate the incident and figure out who’s liable for it.
There Are Many Scenarios in Which a Driver Can Be Found at Fault for a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Just because you believe you are at fault in a multi-vehicle car crash doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the case. Ultimately, various factors can determine liability in a multi-vehicle accident. These factors include:
A Police Report
Call 911 after your multi-vehicle crash, and police officers will arrive at the scene. These officers will get information from you and other parties involved in the incident and detail their findings in a report.
In terms of how long it takes to get a police report, one could be available within days of your accident. This report can highlight who’s liable and other aspects of the incident.
Traffic Camera Footage
When it comes to figuring out who is to blame for your multi-vehicle crash, traffic cameras can make a world of difference. These cameras can capture footage of your accident.
As such, if you can retrieve this footage following your accident, you may be able to prove that you’re in no way liable for it.
Road and Weather Conditions
Potholes and other road hazards can make it difficult to drive safely and contribute to multi-car crashes. Meanwhile, snow, sleet, and other inclement weather conditions can contribute to multi-vehicle collisions. Drivers are expected to account for road and weather conditions when they travel. If a driver doesn’t, they can cause a multi-car collision and be held liable for it.
Siegfried & Jensen is a personal injury law firm that’s served Utah residents for 35 years. We have earned many positive client reviews from plaintiffs in distracted driving accident cases and others. Allow us to assist you with your multi-car crash case. We can help you identify any liable parties and pursue compensation from them accordingly. Contact us today to learn more.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
Common Scenarios That Can Determine Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Car Collision
With who’s at fault for a multi-vehicle crash, the motorist who initiated the chain reaction that led to the accident may be liable. To understand why this may be the case, consider an example involving a motorist who is engaged in distracted driving.
This distracted driver may see traffic but not have enough time to bring their vehicle to a full stop. As a result, the motorist can slam the front of their car into the rear of another vehicle. If the motorist is driving at high speed, it can trigger a chain reaction. Multiple drivers could be involved in an accident, and the driver who started the chain reaction can be at fault.
Alternatively, lane changes can be a determining factor relative to liability for a multi-car accident. If a motorist suddenly wants to shift their car from one lane to the next, their vehicle may collide with one in an adjacent lane. This can trigger a chain reaction in which multiple drivers are involved in the accident and suffer losses. At this point, the driver who switched lanes can be liable.
Two or More Drivers Can Share the Blame for a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Sometimes, multiple drivers are at fault for collisions involving two or more vehicles. At these times, responsibility is shared among the motorists. If you file a lawsuit and are found to be partly at fault for your multi-vehicle car crash, a court may reduce your damages by your percentage of fault. On the other hand, if you’re primarily to blame, the court may deny your damages request.
Per Utah Code 78B-5-818, modified comparative negligence applies to auto accidents involving multiple vehicles. With this, you can’t be more than 50% at fault for your car accident and still recover damages. Yet, if you’re 1-50% at fault, a judge or jury can award partial damages based on your degree of fault.
Your personal injury attorney can answer any questions you have about Utah’s comparative negligence law and its potential impact on your multi-vehicle car crash lawsuit. They can build an argument designed to make it clear to a judge or jury that you’re in no way to blame for your collision with two or more vehicles.
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Get a Lawyer on Your Side to Determine Who Is at Fault for Your Multi-Car Crash
Leave nothing to chance if you want to determine who is liable for a multi-vehicle crash. Have a personal injury attorney with relevant car accident case experience evaluate your collision. Your lawyer can look at traffic camera footage of the incident and take other measures to investigate. This can help your lawyer identify any responsible parties.
Even if someone else is at fault for your accident, you may get money for your losses from the incident through your auto insurance company. This is due to Utah’s no-fault insurance coverage requirement. Due to this, your insurer may compensate you for your accident losses, regardless of who caused your multi-car collision.
Your auto insurance coverage may cover only a fraction of your multi-vehicle collision losses. In this situation, your lawyer may advise you to seek compensation from an at-fault party or their insurance company. They can negotiate a settlement on your behalf with the insurer of the at-fault party and keep you updated throughout. Or, if necessary, your attorney can bring your case to trial.
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Ask for Help as You Try to Find Out Who’s Liable for Your Multi-Vehicle Crash
At Siegfried & Jensen, we know how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a multi-car collision alone. Our team will give your car accident case our undivided attention.
We can assess your accident, determine who is at fault for your multi-vehicle crash, and pursue damages from any liable parties. For more information, schedule a free case consultation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
