Who is at Fault in a Three-Car Accident?

Not all car accidents are cut and dry. When there are just two vehicles involved, it is relatively easy to identify which party is at fault – however, when you have multiple vehicles, determining fault becomes much more complex. In the United States, it is estimated that one-third of car accidents are multi-vehicle accidents. All it takes is one distracted driver hitting more than one vehicle. But how will someone tell which party was the one that caused the accident?

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

There are a variety of reasons a multi-vehicle accident may occur, including:

1. Poor weather conditions

2. Speeding or excessive speeds for weather conditions

3. Falling asleep at the wheel or fatigued driving

4. Intoxication or driving under the influence of drugs

5. Talking on the cell phone or texting while driving

6. Any other form of distracted driving

Determining Fault in a Three-Car Accident

When more than one vehicle is involved, the insurance payouts are much higher. As a result, insurance companies will attempt to limit their losses by putting the blame as much as they can on the other drivers. They will rely on the fact that an at-fault driver will rarely admit their fault to the other drivers – making it even more difficult to prove the claim. To determine fault, each driver’s duty of care (or their responsibility) to other drivers must be assessed. Each driver must drive safely and in accordance with the law. When someone fails to exercise that duty, they are considered negligent. If a driver was acting negligently and caused the accident, they are the at-fault driver.The authorities will look to determine who may have been speeding, who was talking on their cell phone, or which driver was ignoring the conditions of the road ahead. Any mitigating circumstances will also be looked at when determining fault. In the investigation process, a few things will be assessed:

1. Reviewing police reports and speaking with witnesses. The accident investigators will look to see if any drivers were cited after the accident for speeding or reckless driving.

2. Review driving records of the drivers involved, including any past tickets, accidents, etc.

3. Take photographs of the accident scene and speak to witnesses.

4. Take statements from all drivers and their passengers.

Filing a Claim with Vasilaros Wagner

After you are injured in a multi-car accident , you may feel as though you have no options for compensation. To protect themselves, insurance companies may try to produce evidence placing the blame partially on you (known as contributory negligence). This is why it is important you speak with an attorney regarding your car accident right away. An attorney can assess your claim and help prove which driver was at-fault, as well as protect you from insurance companies. To get started on your claim, contact Vasilaros Wagner at 386-777-7777.