Determining liability in a multi-car accident injury case can be complex, involving several drivers, insurance companies, and legal considerations. Identifying the responsible parties is essential for securing fair recompensation, but it requires a comprehensive investigation.
From analyzing traffic reports to reviewing eyewitness statements, understanding key steps can make a substantial difference in the output of your case.
According to the NHTSA, the number of fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes rose by 16% in 2021 from 2020. Multi-vehicle injuries need to be investigated properly to prove liability and to attain maximum deserving compensation.
In this article, we will consult what you should know to navigate multi-car accident liability effectively.
Collect Initial Evidence at the Scene
Collecting initial evidence at the scene of a multi-car accident is crucial for establishing liability.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a total of 15,461 crashes among moving motor vehicles were reported in 2022. The types of collisions that happen in multi-vehicle accidents are angled, rear end, sideswipe, head-on, and others. When you start collecting the evidence, first determine the type of collision.
Other key evidence includes pictures of vehicle damage, road situations, skid patterns, traffic signals, and any nearby property damage. Take pictures of license plates and document injuries sustained by those involved. Gather contact information from eyewitnesses, as their testimony could be vital.
If you’re unable to gather evidence due to injury, request help from a passenger, bystander, or the police. Emergency responders typically prepare an official report, which can serve as crucial documentation if you were unable to collect evidence yourself at the time.
How can I ensure that the evidence I collect will be useful in proving liability later?
Ensure your evidence is clear, accurate, and timely by taking high-quality photos, capturing different angles, and documenting all relevant details. Gather contact information for witnesses and file a police report. Keeping the evidence organized and promptly sharing it with your attorney strengthens its usefulness in proving liability.
Obtain and Review the Police Report
As reported by the WHO, in a car-to-car side collision, the fatality risk for car inhabitants is 85% for 65 km/h. If you are a lucky survivor and you are in your senses, you must immediately call the police and obtain the police report. You can also go to the regional police department or request it online, depending on your jurisdiction.
Provide the accident’s date, location, and case number if available. The report offers a neutral account of the incident, which can be critical for establishing liability. If your request is denied, inquire about the reasons and address any issues, such as unpaid fees or incomplete paperwork.
Alternatively, your attorney can assist in obtaining the report through legal means, especially if it’s being withheld for ongoing investigations or legal reasons.
What must I do if the police statement contains faulty info?
If the police report contains incorrect information, quickly contact the official who filed the report and provide evidence to support your correction. If the official refuses to amend it, you can file a supplemental statement or work with your attorney to dispute the inaccuracies.
Analyze Eyewitness Accounts
Analyzing eyewitness accounts is critical in determining liability in a multi-car accident. According to the NSA Injury Facts, most of the fatal and non-fatal multi-vehicle crashes take place between 4:00 pm and 7:59 pm. There is a high chance that the public around is watching the accidents, and there are eyewitnesses.
Eyewitnesses provide useful perspectives on the events leading up to and during the crash, offering details that may not be caught by physical proof. When reviewing their statements, look for consistency in their descriptions of driver behavior, road conditions, and the sequence of collisions.
Cross-reference multiple accounts to identify common factors that could indicate fault. Be cautious of discrepancies, as they can arise from differing vantage points or memory lapses. Working with your attorney to assess the reliability of these accounts strengthens your case for proving liability.
What should I do if witnesses change their statements later on?
If witnesses change their statements later on, document the discrepancies and inform your attorney immediately. Your attorney can assess the reasons for the change, like pressure or confusion, and challenge the credibility of the revised testimony during legal proceedings. Consistent evidence from other sources can help counter altered statements.
Seek Legal Advice and Representation
Keith Law Group suggests seeking legal guidance and representation in a multi-car accident to ensure your rights are safeguarded and you receive fair remuneration. A local personal injury lawyer understands state-specific laws, insurance policies, and legal procedures, making them well-equipped to navigate your case.
For instance, Arkansas Online reported the news in which seven people were injured, and two people died in a multi-vehicle crash. The accident took place on 29th September 2024, Sunday in Lonoke County, Arkansas roads, as reported by Arkansas State Police.
A 2009 Honda Accord struck a 2006 Volkswagen GTI, which was stopped for an unrelated accident. This collision led to another chain reaction collision, hitting a Toyota Tundra, a 2012 Kia Optima, and a 2012 Honda Crosstour.
If you find yourself in a similar case, a Little Rock personal injury lawyer can gather evidence and help you with the case. They will bargain with insurance providers and represent you in court if necessary. Their expertise also helps in proving liability by analyzing traffic reports, witness accounts, and accident reconstructions.
Consult Accident Reconstruction Experts
Consulting accident reconstruction experts can significantly strengthen your case by providing a detailed, scientific analysis of how the crash occurred. These experts use evidence like vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and witness statements to recreate the accident. Their findings can clarify which driver’s actions led to the collision, helping establish fault.
By presenting a clear, professional report in court, they can counter any conflicting evidence or statements supporting your claims. Their expertise offers objective insights, which are crucial when liability is disputed, helping to incline the case in your favor during negotiations or litigation.
Understand Comparative Negligence Laws
Understanding comparative negligence laws is essential when determining liability in a multi-car accident, as they can affect the compensation you receive. According to the NSC Injury Facts, approximately 5.2 million medically conferred injuries were reported in 2022. Many of these were multi-vehicle accidents involving the liability of a single party or partially of both parties.
Most of the states follow comparative negligence, in which each party’s responsibility for the accident is assessed as a percentage. Your compensation reduces as your percentage of fault increases. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you’ll receive 80% of the total damages.
Some states follow “modified” comparative negligence, where you may be barred from recovery if you’re found more than 50% at fault. Knowing these laws helps you better assess your potential compensation and how fault impacts your claim.
Navigating Multi-Car Accident Liability with Confidence
Understanding the steps to prove liability in a multi-car accident is crucial for a successful claim. By collecting evidence, consulting experts, and seeking legal illustration, you can build a strong case. Stay informed about laws like comparative negligence to ensure you’re fully prepared to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
