How Is Fault Determined in a Multiple-Vehicle Crash?

 Posted on October 25, 2024 in Truck accidents

Five tractor-trailers and two passenger vehicles tangled in a multiple-vehicle wreck on I-35 in Pflugerville, TX on October 22, 2024, injuring three people. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. However, this collision highlights the need to determine fault in multi-vehicle pileups. Without establishing fault, you cannot file a compensation claim.

What is fault in car or truck wrecks, and how do I find out who was at fault in my multiple-vehicle collision? How do I know if I am eligible for compensation? A skilled lawyer from The Bettersworth Law Firm can evaluate your case and define your legal options during a free consultation.

What Is Fault, and Why Is It Important?

Personal injury cases usually start by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party or parties. Particularly when several vehicles are involved in a wreck, you cannot just point your finger at someone and expect to get compensation. You need evidence proving that someone’s negligence contributed to causing your wreck. When you identify whose fault your collision was, you know whose insurance policy is liable for paying you. Fault = liable = responsible.

Negligent behaviors that frequently lead to wrecks include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Improper merging
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Ignoring traffic laws
• Distracted driving
• Fatigue
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

When passenger cars cause crashes, the drivers are usually the only potentially at-fault parties, although there are some exceptions. For example, fault is often unclear with rideshare and last-mile delivery vehicles. When commercial trucks, like tractor-trailers, cause wrecks, there are several parties who are possibly at fault.

You might be the party at fault for your collision. In Texas, you can recover compensation from other liable parties if your percentage of fault is less than 50 percent. However, the amount you could receive is reduced accordingly. For instance, if you are 25 percent at fault, you can only collect up to 75 percent of your total damages.

Is Determining Fault in Multiple-Vehicle Wrecks Complicated?

When several vehicles collide, the pileup does not happen all at once. Instead, there is a series of individual crashes. Each impact can cause different injuries and property damage or worsen the harm caused by previous impacts. While the at-fault party for the first collision is often at fault for the entire chain reaction, that is not always the case.

A detailed investigation is typically performed, possibly including an accident reconstruction. Depending on the investigation results, you may need to file multiple claims because several parties may have caused or worsened various injuries. As you can imagine, the more vehicles involved, the more complex a multi-vehicle crash case becomes. Most people are quickly overwhelmed, but this is what The Bettersworth Law Firm does. We know how to overcome challenges effectively and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call Our Trusted Comal County, TX Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. The Bettersworth Law Firm will protect your best interests and help you hold the at-fault parties fully accountable for their negligence. Call us at 830-606-0404 now for your free consultation with our experienced New Braunfels, TX truck accident attorney.