Multiple Vehicle Collisions: What to Know

A multiple-vehicle collision can affect several components of life—medical, employment, insurance, legal, and even social. Here, we will highlight some things you may not know about the insurance and legal aspects involved in such a complex situation.

Many times, multi-vehicle accidents result in very high insurance payouts. When the pile-up occurs on a highway and involves several vehicles, the issues warrant the time and attention of many insurance policies, and the stakes become high.

Accident investigators will be assigned to the claims, searching for the underlying cause and the responsible driver. Few freely admit their part to play in such cases, thus requiring a thorough investigation to determine fault.

Drivers have a duty of care to other drivers—to drive responsibly under given circumstances. Failure to exercise this duty is termed a negligent act. When a careless act becomes the direct and “proximate” cause of injuries to another driver or passenger, the injured has a legal right to compensation from the driver at fault.

The more vehicles and people are involved in the collision, the more complex the investigation. The fault is determined by identifying the negligent act. Agents are interested in the testimony of the investigating officers, any tickets issued for outstanding warrants, intoxication, careless and imprudent driving, suspended license, failure to yield, use of a cellular device, following too closely, and other issues. They also seek to find out if there was more than one negligible driver.

Most states follow the “comparative negligence” rule, which entitles any driver to compensation according to his percentage of fault. A few states adhere to the “contributory negligence” rule, however, in which any driver with any fault may not receive compensation.

Sometimes, no fault may be declared due to extenuating circumstances such as snowy road conditions, loss of consciousness due to sudden health issues (heart attack, seizure, diabetic coma), or other situations in which there is no particular person to blame.

If your insurance does not pay out in no-fault collisions, circumstances may lead you to pursue claims against at-fault drivers. Often, without clear evidence of fault, insurance companies will not settle claims… and multiple-vehicle interruptions in your day might need to enter litigation to help pay for your damages, especially for any costly personal injuries.

If you or anyone you know experiences the frustration of a multiple-vehicle collision, please get in touch with GroverLawKC.

Call or visit www.groverlawkc.com for more information.