When multiple cars and trucks are involved in an accident, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for paying for the damages. There might be more than one party who is at fault for the accident. Also, it can be difficult to determine which motorists are telling the truth and which motorists are trying to avoid liability.
How Liability is Determined
Liability for a multi-vehicle accident is often based on the police report, witness statements, the evidence found at the scene of the accident, the injuries that everyone suffered, and the damage done to each vehicle.
Only One Party Might Be At Fault
Oftentimes, the individual who initiated the accident is considered at fault. For example, if a truck driver was not making a safe lane change and collided with another vehicle, causing this vehicle to hit your car, the driver who initially made the unsafe lane change might be considered at fault for both accidents. However, more than one driver could be negligent at the same time.
Insurance Providers Might Be Quick to Settle
When there are multiple insurance providers involved and multiple parties are injured, the insurance providers might be eager to settle as quickly as they can. This is especially true for a commercial truck insurance provider who will have a much higher policy limit. However, the initial settlement offers made will usually not be worthwhile. It's important to always consult with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement offer.
You Have More Options with Multi-Accident Cases
Even if multiple parties are responsible for the accident, you might be able to seek compensation for all of your injuries from one party. You also have the option of filing a lawsuit against one party while settling with another party if filing a lawsuit is not an option.
With a multi-vehicle accident, you will have more opportunities to seek compensation for more than one party. This increases the odds that you will be able to have all of your damages paid for because you may be able to file a claim with multiple insurance providers. However, if you are not able to receive full compensation for your injuries, it's a good idea to file a claim with your insurance provider if you are carrying uninsured motorist insurance.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents Can Lead to More Serious Injuries
The injuries you experience from an accident involving multiple vehicles can be much more severe because your vehicle might be struck from multiple angles. Also, your airbags might have already deployed from the first accident. Therefore, it's important to work closely with an attorney who has experience with these types of cases so they will be able to make sure that you're able to maximize your settlement.
For more information, contact a truck accident injury attorney in your area.
Share18 April 2022
