Economic damages are the solid numbers. jQuery("html, body").animate({ With other types of multi-car accidents, the root causes vary depending on the type of accident. Poor weather conditions or poor visibility. Lets look at three common car accident scenarios. Beyond the driver statements, the adjuster will consider video evidence, witness statements, scene photos, damage photos, and the police report. Driving too fast for weather or road conditions, as motorist must reduce their speed in response to inclement weather, road work, or other dangerous conditions, Changing lanes without checking blind spots, Driving under the influence of illicit or prescription drugs, Driving too closely behind other vehicles, Failing to use turn signals, headlights, and other tools that enhance the safety of all motorists, Failing to obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs, Failing to give the right of way to other motorists and pedestrians, Vehicular damage, which may require you to repair or replace the vehicle, Lost income, lost earning power, lost bonuses, lost productivity, and other professional damages, The cost of counseling, medication, and other treatments for psychological and emotional trauma, Damage to personal property, such as a cell phone. Here are the main factors that insurance companies and legal authorities use to determine who is at fault in 3-car rear-end collisions. Hot spots include: So, whos at fault? If the driver's performance or test results indicate they were probably inebriated at the time of the accident, the police officer may arrest them for DUI/DWI. Published: Jul. Step", So far so good! Once they have investigated and accepted liability, they will handle the other parties damages, up to your policy limits. Not necessarily, but the tailing driver is usually at least partially at fault. Approval takes < 24 hours with no credit checks and no obligation you only pay it back if you win your claim. Car insurance companies have their insurance adjusters investigate car accidents to decide what liability their policyholders face and/or how much they must pay for claims. Evidence from your accident may disappear in a short time. Yes, they're liable for causing the chain reaction accident, but so is the middle driver who was texting while driving, and following the third vehicle too closely. The lead driver came to a stop for no reason. The green car is pushed into the white van. The Arizona Department of Transportation annually releases an annual motor vehicle crash facts analysis. An experienced car accident attorney may be able to give you more detailed information about the specific laws and processes in your state, as well as their opinion of the value of your claim. Readers of this website should not take any action, or refrain from taking any action, based upon the content of this website. Theres too much at stake to handle a multi-car pileup on your own. | John Bachman Depending on your state, this can include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). You agree these messages may be auto-dialed or pre-recorded, and consent is not a condition of purchase. It's true that pedestrians might share some blame for a traffic accident, but that's going to be a hard sell in this example, not least because children aren't held to the same "reasonable care" standards as adults. The person you hit might argue that you were tailgating and stopped too close behind them. The first thing is usually to take recorded statements from each driver. Funding can range from $500-$100,000, depending on your case and needs. They will talk to those involved in the accident and likely take statements, survey the scene, examine all relevant evidence, and put everything into a police or accident report. But the way to simplify as much as possible is to focus on the basics. Weve provided your information to lawyers in your area. State Law You are owed fair compensation for your property damage, which can include payment for repairs or the value of your vehicle, a rental car covered for a reasonable time period, and reimbursement for any other items damaged in the collision. For example, if icy conditions caused the motor vehicle to slide further than the motorist might have possibly prevented, only the first rear-ending motorist will be liable. If your car, truck, or other kind of motor vehicle has been damaged in any kind of accident, the first thing to know is that any insurance companywhether it's your own insurer or the other (at-fault) driver'sis only required to pay up to the value of your vehicle at the time of the accident (also known as "actual cash value"). Common causes of head-on collision include: So, whos at fault? Insurance adjusters will review police reports, speak with their insured, and question claimants about what happened. Driver 3 might try to pin some of the blame on the child, who was crossing the street against the traffic signal. If you cant count that long, you are probably following too closely. Depending on the states comparative negligence laws, the green car and the yellow truck may owe each other percentages of their damage. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, making up around 30 percent of all traffic accidents every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Dont rely on the insurance company to make a fair determination of liability after a multi-vehicle accident. Collisions involving three vehicles are known as three-car accidents or chain-reaction crashes. If you are an innocent party, this can mean settling partial claims with multiple companies. Taxi cab accident Consult one or more car accident law firms today to seek the financial recovery you deserve. They will hire investigators to determine liability for multi-car accidents, but the investigators are essentially being paid to find evidence that someone else is to blame. Investigators hired by the insurance company will conduct their own interviews of the drivers, passengers, and other witnesses. After the investigation, the insurance adjuster will decide who caused the accident. Driver 3's share of fault might be the biggest, however, as they're liable for both distracted driving and operating a vehicle without functioning equipment (brake lights). In this collision type, the motorist who caused the first rear-end collision will have liability. The General Rule It's hard to give a general rule for a three car crash, because there are many different ways to involve three vehicles. Depending on the state where the accident occurred, your compensation may be reduced or eliminated according to your percentage of fault. Contact Us Multi-Car Pile-Up Accident Compensation Claim Specialists 100% No Win, No Fee Claims Pay Nothing if you lose, No financial risk to you Road Traffic AccidentGet the maximum compensation you deserve Uber/Lyft accident Your insurer wont help you if the other drivers insurance company is trying to reduce or deny your claim based on shared negligence. That means the person responsible for the accident has to pay for the accident. Content in this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship between the reader and Hutzler Law, PLLC. What is a Three-Car Accident? More often than not, three-way pile-ups are rear-ending crashes where one car strikes the back end of another, which in turn crashes into the car ahead of it. In some cases, police officers recognize mitigating circumstances at the scene. What Is Partial Fault? //console.log("id::"+anchor_id); But local and state regulators say there is nothing to worry about. Typical amounts for general damages vary widely depending on the details of your case, including the diagnosed injuries, treatment provided, impact on your personal life, venue (the location of your case), and many other potential factors. Find out now with a FREE case review from an attorney, So far so good! We are looking to assign fault or determine liability. Three-car accidents at intersections may result from: An attorney can review the specific details of your accident to determine fault. jQuery(".on-page-links ul > li a").click(function(){ A trucker or cargo loaders fail to properly secure cargo or to fasten trailer doors, A cargo trailer or fastening device is defective, The trunk of a motor vehicle opens unexpectedly, causing items in the trunk to fall into the road, A vehicle carrying liquid or solid cargo is involved in a collision, Whether the debris in the roadway is the fault of a negligent trucker, cargo loader, or trucking company, Whether a collision caused the debris to enter the roadway, and who is responsible for that initial collision, Any other factors that could affect liability for your accident. Driver 3 is following behind Driver 1, but is adjusting the radio. Car 2 would likely be at fault as they hit Car 1. Arizona is an at-fault state. American Family) receives money from another insurer (e.g. Although most 3-car collisions are a result of someones negligence, there are occasions when no one is to blame. Unfortunately, based on your answers, we will not be able to help you. Personal Injuries Hughey Law Firm | 12/01/22. Here's what to know: If each driver says they felt one impact from behind and they were pushed forward, that indicates a chain-reaction with a single at fault driver. Recall the earlier example about the driver who drove too fast given the wet road conditions. When determining who pays for a three-car accident, you must know the details of the collision. Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Parking lot control arm injuries Negligent behaviors that can lead to a three-car collision include: There is a long list of behaviors that increase the risk of accidents, and these are just a few examples. Driver 1 slams on the brakes, but still rear-ends Driver 2. Order of impacts and locations of damage are pieces of evidence. It does not contain nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Anyone with a fault rate of less than 50% will be eligible for reimbursement. the at-fault driver's insurance company) so that the not-at-fault driver gets their deductible back. Without looking at the vehicles in front, Driver 3 checks his phone for any missed calls, assuming Drivers 1 and 2 will start moving. Steps to Take After A 3 Vehicle Pile Up Accident Free Attorney Consultation - Second Opinion on Your Case Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of accidents. As a driver, one of the most important things you can do is know the law and your rights. When a driver enters a lane against the flow of traffic, that driver is at fault. . Parking Structure Car Crash Lawsuit Determining Who's at Fault in a 3-Car Crash. Unfortunately, fault is often a point of contention between parties after an accident. However, I can tell you that you are not required to have an attorney handle your injury claim, and many injury claims are settled directly with the injured party. When handling a three car accident, the insurance adjuster will need to complete a thorough investigation to determine coverage, liability, and damages. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. jQuery("html, body").animate({ If you are injured while at fault, you will be able to use whatever first-party coverages you have available. Remember, they are for-profit companies. Blog Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer / 3-Car Accident: Who Pays? Elderly driver accident You should receive a phone call or email within the next 24 hours. Again, the driver of the green car slows and stops for a red light. Among the most common types of traffic accidents are rear-end collisions. What Can a Lawyer Do for You After a Car Accident? I will go into further detail in future articles in this series. This website may contain external links to websites as a source of information for the reader. The police report is a great tool for confirming evidence, who was at the scene, and often what the drivers said immediately after the accident. When its safe to get out, take as many pictures as you safely can of the accident scene, the position of the vehicles, skid marks, damage to the vehicles, and people involved in the crash. The insurance company may even hire special investigators to look into the crash. Driver 2 pulls up and stops behind Driver 1. If you are partially at fault, this may mean only receiving partial payment of your claim. If you are the at fault party in a multi-vehicle collision, you will need to talk to your insurance company to have it covered. In essence, there should be enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you have enough time to react if that vehicle comes to a sudden stop. But you may qualify for pre-settlement funding. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We have a good rear ended collision settlement track record. Home Car Accident Three Common Car Accident Scenarios Whos at Fault and Who Pays? As these can be very harrowing and confusing events, it is crucial. This occurs when all three vehicles are in the same lane, and the impacts are front to back, front to back. If you leave 3 car lengths regardless of speed, thats only about 45 feet. June 15, 2022 Accident Law A three-car accident may involve a great deal of damage to all three vehicles and, in many cases, substantial injuries to their occupants. As an attorney determines fault for such accidents, they may consider: The key question is this: Who caused the debris, physical items, or liquid hazard to enter the roadway? The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. You consent that the law firm you are matched with or a call center may contact you by phone and/or text, even if you are on a Do Not Call Registry. In a pile-up accident, there are multiple inciting impacts. You can ask questions and learn about a firm without paying anything or committing to hire the firm. But a good adjuster approaches a multi-car accident just like any other methodically. In Arizona, all drivers must maintain liability insurance of at least $25,000 per individual or $50,000 per accident. Arizona Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents. And in any case, any potential fault on the part of the child doesn't absolve Driver 3 of the legal duty to drive with more care than was used here. Or imagine a driver loses consciousness from a heart attack or stroke. What makes these types of accidents harder to comprehend is that most of them result from gross negligence. The Insurance Information Institute reports the average claim for bodily injury after a collision was $20,235 in 2020, while the average property damage claim was $4,711. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. A lawyer will handle every aspect of your insurance claim or lawsuit by: An attorneys priority is protecting you. I cannot tell you what your claim is worth or if you need legal counsel. A Car accident attorney can review evidence, get your account of the collision, obtain the police report, and determine who should pay for your damages. Car accidents can be a traumatic experience for all involved. The more vehicles that are damaged in an accident, the more likely those damages reach or exceed your liability limits. While we attempt to keep the information on this website current, we make no guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or up to date. Each drivers insurance company will owe for their percentage of fault. How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Phoenix? With traffic signals giving different instructions, vehicles crossing paths, pedestrians present, and other complicating factors, the risk of three-car accidents at intersections is abnormally great. The term "chain reaction" refers to how these accidents usually happen; two cars collide, and either the force of the first crash or the disabled vehicles lead to collisions with more vehicles, creating a chain reaction. When the Back Car Can Be Responsible for a Three-Car Rear-End Collision Many different things can cause the driver in the vehicle farthest back to cause a three-car rear-end crash. Anything you say can be used against you. El Paso, Texas 79930 If the insurance company will not settle your case favourably, your lawyer can file a . When you suffer injuries following a car accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is proving who is at fault. In this case, each driver must rely on their own insurance coverage to pay for their injuries and vehicle damage. When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Phoenix? When Donna got hit from behind, she didn't have enough room to stop to avoid hitting Donyell's vehicle. Severe weather conditions are a common mitigating factor that might result in none of the drivers being found liable. These accidents happen when one vehicles front end collides with anothers rear end. Depending on the severity of the accident, the costs associated with it can be significant. This is one of the more common three-car accident scenarios. One or two motorists may be liable for the accident. That includes saying that youre okay or fine when you may have injuries. This is why its so important to understand why accidents happen, where they happen, and whos at fault. While there is no way to predict the exact value of your case, we can look at past cases to predict likely and reasonable costs. Three-car accidents can cause extensive property damage, medical bills, and other losses. If you believe this assessment to be wrong, you can challenge it. Get Medical Records and Bills: Request copies of your medical records and bills after you have recovered from the accident. If you do not have medical coverage on your car insurance, or if your PIP/MedPay limits are paid out, then your personal health insurance is next in line. scrollTop: jQuery("#"+hash).offset().top - 200 Then your . var hash = location.hash.replace("#",""); The green car is majority at fault because they failed to yield to oncoming traffic. Take Notes: As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the circumstances leading to the accident, what happened to you and your car, and what others did and said after the crash. (Adjuster Explains), Everything You Need to Know About Backing Accidents (Adjuster Explains), How insurance companies investigate and handle these claims. Rear end collision Unfortunately, insurance companies dont do much to make the process easier. Therefore, your lawyer will watch for any unreasonable actions that led to your collision. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Even if one driver caused a three-car rear-end collision, the other two drivers may bear a portion of the fault. However, if you do feel you need legal advice, or just to review your options, you can contact a personal injury lawyer in your area. November 11, 2021. With that said, there are some exceptions: Head-on collisions can have devastating consequences. This may be the party who is liable for subsequent accidents. Last in line to pay is any Medicare or Medicaid coverage. The driver or drivers who were negligent are at fault. Witness statements are the next best thing, but they are often limited by the perspective of the witness, and whether or not they were paying attention as the accident unfolded. The report outlines the total number of accidents and the number of deaths, along with various contributing factors. }); Proving fault is everything following a motor vehicle collision. In the context of a borrowed car accident, the car owner's insurance policy is generally the primary insurance that kicks in. It is NOT formal legal advice. look at some hypothetical chain reaction traffic accidents. scrollTop: jQuery("#"+anchor_id).offset().top - 200
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