Multi-Car Crashes – Causes and Issues of Liability
Car crashes that involve only two vehicles are often easier to evaluate in terms of determining who was at fault. However, when three or more vehicles are involved in a traffic accident, assessing liability can become a much more complex exercise. In addition, multi-car wrecks often involve a significant amount of damage spread out among multiple vehicles, as well as personal injuries to numerous vehicle occupants.
In 2016, Georgia had one of the highest numbers of deaths occurring as a result of multi-car crashes. All deaths due to motor vehicle crashes in the state totaled 1,554, with 710 of those deaths involved in multi-vehicle collisions.
State law in Georgia permits individuals who have been injured by another party to file a lawsuit against that party seeking compensation for damages, including pain and suffering. If the individual filing the lawsuit is found by the court to be 50 percent or more responsible for the crash, they may not claim any compensation. If their fault is less than this amount, they may recover damages, but any compensation they are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of their own fault for the accident.
For this reason, it is essential to have an experienced car accident attorney fighting intelligently on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Causes of multi-car collisions
Every multi-car crash is unique in one way or another. These crashes can occur due to a combination of incidents and reactions occurring within split seconds of one another. Some of the most common reasons for collisions involving three or more vehicles include:
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis, each day in the U.S., approximately nine people die and 1000 are injured due to car crashes reportedly due to distracted driving. The causes for distracted driving can be numerous, including talking on a cell phone, texting, eating while driving, and using a navigation system.
Driver Fatigue
According to NHTSA, approximately 100,000 motor vehicle crashes in the United States each year stem directly from driver fatigue.
Adverse Weather
Low visibility in the form of nighttime driving, heavy rain, heavy snow, and fog can significantly inhibit drivers’ ability to respond quickly to situations on the road that occur suddenly.
Determining liability
Multiple drivers can be found partially responsible in a court of law when a multi-vehicle crash occurs. Liability may be assigned based on what factor or factors contributed to the accident. These factors may include speeding, reckless driving, alcohol or drug use, distracted driving, failure to follow traffic signs, or any other unlawful or negligent activity.
There are inherent uncertainties and complexities involved in certain motor vehicle accidents – multi-car crashes included. Due to this, insurance companies sometimes attempt to pay only the bare minimum amount of compensation. Although the amount offered by an insurance company may seem generous, it’s important to consider whether the compensation provided will adequately cover future costs for lost wages and medical expenses.
Never go it alone when dealing with an insurance company in the aftermath of a car crash, especially a more complex multi-vehicle collision. It is important to have a highly experienced attorney who knows how to fight effectively for all the compensation you deserve.
If a multi-car collision has left you injured, our talented auto accident attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP can fight vigorously for the compensation you need and deserve at this difficult time. Let’s discuss your case together to go over your options. To set up a free consultation with an experienced injury lawyer, complete our contact form or call us at 404-961-7650 in Atlanta or 912-651-9967 in Savannah.
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Harris Lowry Manton LLP is a dedicated full-service trial law firm. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers fight for the injured throughout every step of the legal process. We explain how litigation works from the moment you come into one of our offices in Atlanta or Savannah until your case is solved. Our legal team has achieved remarkable success because we leave no stone unturned when investigating our client’ claims and what should have been done to prevent their injuries. We file claims against all responsible parties — not just the most obvious one.
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