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Who’s to Blame in a Multiple Car Accident?

May 26, 2017

car accident involving two cars is technically a multiple car accident, but most people think of multi-car wrecks as having many more vehicles involved. Often called a pileup, when numerous vehicles collide in a chain reaction, it frequently has deadlier results than single or even two-car collisions.

When the same vehicle gets hit several times by multiple vehicles from several different directions, the increased amount of broken glass, flying debris and twisted metal is a recipe for a disaster. It’s also difficult to decide who’s to blame and insurance companies typically hold out on settlements until they complete a thorough investigation. That is why multi-car accident victims in Louisiana need experienced New Orleans car accident lawyers in their corner.

Who’s At Fault?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,296,000 traffic accidents in 2015. While 1,822,000 of these crashes involved single vehicles, 4,474,000 involved two or more vehicles. Collisions involving multiple vehicles often start with a single compounding incident, such as:

  • Bad Weather
  • Poor Road Conditions
  • Inattentive Driving
  • Impaired Driving
  • Speeding in High Traffic
  • Speeding in Construction Zones
  • Running Red Lights
  • Tailgating
  • Road Rage
  • Rubbernecking at Another Accident

Louisiana is an At-Fault state, so the court will try to determine who was legally at fault for a traffic accident and hold the negligent driver accountable. This makes the driver and his/her insurance company liable for any injuries and property damage that occurred. However, the more vehicles involved in an accident, the more complex it is to determine fault. Often, the court finds that more than one driver is at-fault and holds each of them responsible to varying degrees.

Contributory Versus Comparative Negligence

In multi-vehicle accidents, fault/blame may be spread between several vehicles, including your own. Being found at fault means some negligence on your part was partially to blame for the wreck. For example, a car that was following too closely behind you rear-ended you when you slowed to turn a corner, but you failed to signal. The court may blame your negligence, as well as the other driver’s.

If you live in a state that follows contributory negligence rules, you may not receive any compensation. Luckily, Louisiana has comparative fault, so each driver can receive compensation based on the percentage of his/her fault.

Since multi-vehicle accidents seldom completely have one driver at fault. Each driver received a percentage of the blame. This could be anywhere between 0% to 100% depending on the circumstances. However, even if the court says you were 99% to blame, you can still recover 1% of your damages.

Hire Top New Orleans Multi Car Accidents Lawyers

The more vehicles involved, the higher the insurance payouts. Thus, insurance companies send highly trained investigators to scrutinize every detail of a multi-car collision and handle the claim. Many multi-vehicle accidents end up in litigation, so call the New Orleans car accident lawyers at Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys.

We’ll fight to get the compensation you deserve. Visit our office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or give us a call 24/7 at (504) 345-1111Contact us today. 

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Multi-car pile-ups are devastating events which can result in significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. The aftermath of these wrecks yield complex legal issues which can overwhelm the parties involved. This blog post will detail the legal technicalities of these wrecks to shed light on what the following steps should look like after a multi-car pile-up. Determining liability is a pivotal aspect of handling legalities post-wreck. Though important, liability is not always straightforward, as multiple factors can contribute to the wreck. Some factors include but are not limited to: Negligence: It is possible for one or more drivers to be found negligent while driving. Negligence implies that a driver breached their duty of care and focus while driving. Common examples of negligence in multi-car pile-ups include speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving. Multiple At-Fault Parties: In multi-car pile-ups, it is possible that multiple drivers are at fault. Comparative negligence laws can come into play, which may affect the distribution of financial responsibility among the involved parties. Dealing with insurance companies post-wreck can be stressful due to the intricacies of plans, laws, and limits. Here are some things to consider about insurance coverage after a multi-car pile-up. Insurance Limits: Each driver involved in the pile-up will have their own insurance policy, and the amount of coverage can vary from person to person. This can impact the ability to recover and rectify damages, especially if the at-fault driver’s policy has insufficient coverage. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, there is a clause in multiple insurance companies that still offers the injured parties financial protection. Injuries in multi-car pile-ups can range from minor to severe. Victims can pursue personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Here are some important points to consider: Medical Documentation: Gathering comprehensive medical records is a crucial step for securing substantial personal injury claims. These records establish the extent of the injuries and confirm their connection to the wreck. Statute of Limitations (known as “Prescription” in Louisiana): Different jurisdictions have different time limits regarding when personal injury claims must be filed. Missing the deadline can result in forfeiting the right to seek compensation. Collecting Evidence Collecting evidence is essential to support any legal claim arising from a multi-car pile-up. This evidence may include: a. Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can be invaluable in reconstructing the wreck and establishing liability. b. Wreck Reports: Police reports and official wreck documentation can provide a critical foundation for legal proceedings. c. Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence, such as photos and videos of the wreck scene and damaged vehicles, can help recreate the sequence of events. Dealing with the legal aftermath of multi-car pile-ups can be stressful, confusing, and challenging. Seeking legal representation is often advisable, as experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process. An attorney could also negotiate with insurance companies and represent your interests in court, if necessary. Multi-car pile-ups are fraught with legal complexities, and understanding these issues is vital for anyone involved. From determining liability to navigating insurance coverage, pursuing personal injury claims, and collecting evidence, there are numerous aspects to consider. To protect your rights and interests, consider consulting with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal maze and work towards a fair resolution. If you need an attorney with extensive experience in multi-car wrecks, give us a call at (985) 345-1111 (Hammond Office) or (504) 345-1111 (Metairie Office).
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