Multi-vehicle crashes are highly destructive, and unfortunately, very common on California’s busy roads. Unlike typical two-car collisions, multi-vehicle accidents are significantly more complicated. With multiple drivers, chain reactions, and shared liability, it’s crucial to know what to expect in the aftermath of your multi-vehicle crash in California.
Defining Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Multi-vehicle crashes are collisions that involve three or more cars and typically occur as a chain reaction. These types of accidents can occur for several reasons, including sudden stops, distracted driving, speeding, inclement weather, and impaired driving. When there are more than two drivers involved in an accident, it can become complicated to determine who is responsible for paying damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Crash?
Liability in multi-vehicle crashes may not always be limited to civilian drivers. Any party whose actions have a substantial impact on the accident can share responsibility. If a truck driver, rideshare driver, or someone driving a company vehicle is involved in the accident, their employer may be held liable for the actions of their employee.
If poorly designed or maintained infrastructure, like potholes, missing signage, or construction zones, play a role in a multi-vehicle crash, the responsible government agency can share liability. Furthermore, if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer may be assigned a percentage of fault as per the comparative negligence system.
How Comparative Negligence Impacts Liability
In the U.S., there are two systems that regulate how liability affects damages. The first system, contributory negligence, states that if a claimant is found to have contributed to the accident, they may not receive damages. In California, the other system, comparative negligence, is used to determine the damages to which each party is entitled.
Comparative negligence assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. That fault percentage is then subtracted from the total damages so that liability is shared amongst the people involved. For example, if your total damages equal $100,000 and you are found to have been 30% at fault for the accident, you will only receive $70,000. This system allows affected parties to recoup their losses even if they contributed to the collision.
In multi-vehicle crashes, liability is typically shared by all the drivers unless individuals can prove that they were not doing anything wrong at the time of the accident. The process of assigning liability can be complex, as each party’s insurance provider will try to minimize their policyholder’s share of the blame. The more people that are involved, the more investigation and negotiation will be required.
Determining Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Other states that use comparative negligence prohibit you from receiving damages if your fault percentage is above a set threshold. California, however, follows “pure comparative negligence,” which allows you to receive damages even if you are 99% at fault. Unless your losses are exceedingly high, you probably won’t receive a large sum if you are 99% at fault.
There are numerous factors that impact liability determination, and multi-vehicle crashes often require a thorough investigation to fairly assign a percentage of fault to each driver. Insurance adjusters and attorneys will use multiple pieces of evidence to determine fault, such as:
- Police Reports: Officers who respond to the accident document their observations. They also issue citations at the scene if laws were broken, which is a clear indicator of fault.
- Physical Evidence: Photos and videos of physical details, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and final car positions, provide critical details in accident reconstruction.
- Witness Statements: Anyone who saw the accident happen can provide an account of what happened that may help investigators understand the sequence of events.
Examples of Liability in Multi-Vehicle Crash Scenarios
After being involved in a multi-vehicle crash, it can be beneficial to compare your situation to example cases to understand how the process works. Let’s examine two possible scenarios that occur frequently on California roads so you are prepared for your own multi-vehicle crash case and how liability may be assigned.
In a three-car rear-end collision, Car A stops suddenly and is rear-ended by Car B, which is then hit by Car C. In this situation, investigators will gather information that helps them determine whether Car A was impaired, Car B was following Car A too closely, and if Car C was distracted. If Car A didn’t break any laws, then Car B and Car C will most likely share liability, unless there is another factor, such as Car B’s taillights not working.
In a multi-car pileup accident on a freeway, several drivers may have been distracted, speeding, or following too closely. A sudden lane change, unexpected traffic jam, or vehicle malfunction can cause multiple vehicles that were engaged in reckless driving behavior to hit each other. In this situation, fault is typically divided amongst all the drivers depending on the severity of their wrongdoing.
Rely on Expert Legal Support
If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle crash in California, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of being assigned a high percentage of fault. In cases involving multiple claimants who all share liability, working with an experienced attorney improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Contact HHJ Trial Attorneys to speak to a legal professional who will help you navigate investigations, negotiations, and compensation.
