How Is Liability Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Car Crash?

How Is Liability Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Car Crash?

Getting caught in a multi-vehicle crash is stressful. The chaos unfolds in seconds, leaving twisted metal, shattered glass, and confusion about what actually happened. Now you’re dealing with serious injuries, insurance calls, and car repairs, all while multiple drivers point fingers at each other.

The good news? Liability in multi-car crashes can be determined, even when the situation seems impossibly complex. You don’t have to accept blame that isn’t rightfully yours.

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, we’ve helped countless injury victims across Illinois untangle these complicated cases and recover the compensation they deserve. Let’s examine how liability is often determined in multi-vehicle accidents so you can start on the road to recovery.

The Challenges of Determining Liability in Multi-Car Crashes

Conflicting Statements

Everyone involved has a different version of events, and naturally, no one wants to accept responsibility. These contradictory accounts make it harder to establish a clear timeline of what happened.

Chain-Reaction Impact

Did the first driver cause the entire accident? Or did someone in the middle make things worse by failing to brake in time? Investigators must trace the sequence of impacts to determine which actions triggered the collision.

Limited Visibility

Poor weather, dust clouds, or blocked sight lines can prevent witnesses from seeing the full picture. This lack of clear visibility complicates efforts to reconstruct the accident accurately.

Shared Fault

Multiple drivers might have contributed to the crash through different acts of negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, or following too closely. Determining each person’s percentage of fault requires careful analysis.

Incomplete Evidence

Some drivers may leave the scene, fail to report accurately, or surveillance footage might be limited. Missing pieces of evidence make it challenging to build a complete picture of liability.

What Investigators Look for to Determine Fault

Police Reports

Officers document their observations, issue citations, and make initial fault determinations. While not always definitive, police reports provide crucial starting points for liability analysis.

Vehicle Damage and Accident Reconstruction

Crash scene investigators analyze vehicle positioning, damage patterns, and impact points to determine the sequence of events. This physical evidence often reveals which driver initiated the chain reaction.

Witness Statements

Neutral third parties can provide objective accounts of what they observed. Their testimonies help clarify conflicting stories from the drivers involved.

Surveillance and Dashcam Footage

Security cameras from nearby businesses or dashcam recordings from involved vehicles can provide clear evidence of how the accident unfolded.

Phone Records and Driving Behavior

Evidence of texting while driving, DUI, or other negligent behaviors can significantly shift liability toward specific drivers.

Illinois Uses a Comparative Negligence System

Here’s encouraging news: Illinois follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident.

If investigators determine you’re 20% responsible, your compensation gets reduced by that same percentage, but you’re not automatically disqualified from recovery. This system protects people who may have been partially involved but weren’t the primary cause of the multi-vehicle crash.

Don’t Let the Confusion Cost You What You Deserve

Securing compensation after a multi-vehicle crash may seem complicated, but it’s entirely possible with the right legal support. Don’t let confusion about liability cost you the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been hurt in a multi-car crash and don’t know where to turn, SAM LAW OFFICE LLC is here to help you cut through the chaos. Our experienced team brings immense value to your case by thoroughly investigating the details, building a strong claim, and aggressively fighting against insurance companies and other parties who aim to minimize your compensation. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!