Determining liability can be relatively straightforward in many car accident cases involving only two cars. However, figuring out who is liable can be complex when more than two cars are involved. With a chain reaction car accident, more than one party may be responsible.
A chain reaction car accident involves three or more vehicles colliding with one another in a domino-like fashion. This type of car accident begins with one car hitting another, and the car that was hit then crashes into another car in front of them, and so forth. They commonly start with a rear-end collision. Still, they can also occur if a vehicle merges into or sideswipes a car and causes that vehicle to spin out of control into another car.
Generally, the at-fault party is the first driver to cause the initial collision, but that is not always the case. For instance, the first driver may have started the crash, but the second driver may have been able to avoid the third driver if they had not been texting on their phone.
Determining Liability for a Chain Reaction Car Accident
Hiring a car accident lawyer is crucial after a multi-vehicle accident, as they can gather the necessary evidence and talk to expert witnesses to pinpoint who is responsible. You can also do the following steps to help determine liability:
- Gather evidence: Evidence from the scene is critical. Broken car parts, photos of the damage, location, and surveillance footage are all beneficial. Eyewitness accounts can be used as well. Ensure to get a copy of the police report; a report by the responding officer will have the versions of every driver involved, details of the accident, and other vital information.
- Medical records: There is a good chance that you suffered an injury if you were in a chain reaction accident. Your medical records may help determine who is liable based on your injury. Whiplash is a good indicator that you were struck from behind, or the location of your broken bone may indicate where the impact happened. Medical records can also help determine your losses and the cost of your treatment and recovery.
- Speak to a lawyer: After a chain reaction car accident, you should speak with a lawyer. Not only can a lawyer defend you if you are assigned fault in the accident, but they can also gather evidence and negotiate a settlement on your behalf if possible.
Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Help Clients Injured in Chain Reaction Accidents
A chain reaction car accident can upend your life. If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with our experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams. Call us today at 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.
