Determining liability in a multi-car accident can confuse anyone. Despite the potential issues in determining fault, you need to know how the accident happened and assign fault. The person or entity responsible for causing the accident compensates you for your losses.
An experienced car accident attorney ensures you receive the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Contact a lawyer immediately if you experience a three-car accident.
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How Do Three-Car Accidents Happen?
A three-car accident can happen when at least one driver or party is negligent. There are many reasons that a three-car accident can happen, but here are some of the most common causes of multi-vehicle crashes:
Chain Reaction
Three-car accidents usually happen because of a chain reaction. The initial crash between two vehicles can trigger another accident involving a third car.
Three-car accidents are dangerous and common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 9,000 people died in a multi-car accident in one year alone.
Other causes of three-car accidents can include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to slow down when entering a construction zone
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to use turn signals
- Defective brakes
- Defective headlights
An attorney can sift through the evidence and discover how the accident happened. Contact an attorney if you suffered an injury in a three-car accident.
Potential Defendants In Three-Car Accidents
There are many potentially responsible defendants in multi-car accidents. It is important to hold each potential defendant accountable. The driver responsible for causing the accident must compensate you for your damages. Potential defendants in three-car accidents can include:
Drivers
Of course, other drivers might share liability for causing the accident. You must identify all drivers involved in the accident.
Commercial Drivers and Their Employers
Vehicle Owners
Sometimes, the driver is not the vehicle owner. A vehicle owner might share liability for causing the accident if they knowingly loaned their car to an incompetent driver. Carefully review the evidence to ensure that you name the vehicle owner as a potential defendant.
Manufacturers
Some accidents happen because of defective vehicle parts. If the defective part caused the accident, you might have a legal claim against the manufacturer.
Pedestrians and Bystanders
A pedestrian might cause a multi-car accident. For example, a pedestrian might cause a traffic accident if they fail to use the crosswalk when crossing the street. The pedestrian might need to pay for causing the crash if that happens.
Government Entities
Some traffic accidents happen when the state or local government fails to properly maintain city streets. Work with an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options if you believe the accident happened because of a governmental entity.
No matter who or what caused the accident, you deserve compensation for your losses. An attorney can identify all potentially responsible defendants and ensure they each face accountability for causing your damages.
Types of Three-Car Accidents
Many types of car accidents can involve multiple vehicles. Some common examples of three-car accidents can include:
Red Light Accidents
If a driver runs a red light, a multi-car accident can happen. When a driver blows through an intersection, other drivers might need to stop abruptly, causing an accident.
Lane Change Accidents
Improper lane changes can easily cause a pileup accident. When a driver fails to check their blind spot, follows too closely, or even fails to signal a turn, all of those actions can lead to a three-car accident.
Left Turn Accidents
A multi-car accident can happen if a driver makes an improper left turn. Left turn accidents often happen when a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, leading to premature or unsafe turns.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents can happen when a driver stops too quickly, causing the driver behind them to crash into their backside. The abrupt stops can cause a chain reaction for all following vehicles.
Common Injuries in Three-Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause various types of injuries.
Common injuries that happen in three-car accidents include:
- Chest injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Psychological harm
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Knee injuries
Whatever injuries that you might suffer after an accident, you deserve compensation. Contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options after a car accident.
How Much Is My Three-Car Accident Worth?
There is no way to guarantee the final value of your car accident settlement. However, some factors can help indicate an estimated settlement value.
Factors that influence the final settlement value of a multi-car crash include:
- State law
- Insurance coverage
- Liability determination
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Severity of injury
Whether certain damages and compensation are available after an accident depends on the facts surrounding the case. Be sure to discuss the extent of your losses with your attorney.
How Can An Attorney Help Me Prove Who Caused a Three-Car Accident?
A three-car accident can make determining liability difficult.
Your attorney can establish fault after a three-car crash by:
- Establishing a timeline
- Gathering witness statements
- Reviewing medical records
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing for trial
- Investigate the accident scene
- Analyzing surveillance videos
- Obtaining police reports
- Consulting professionals
The assistance of a qualified car accident lawyer can make all the difference when pursuing financial compensation after an accident. They can manage the complexities of your case, collect vital evidence, and represent your interests.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn what steps to take after a three-car accident and ensure you understand your rights and options for recovery. Taking action promptly can significantly improve the outcome of your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
A car accident attorney working on your behalf can put you in a good position to access full and fair financial compensation after a car accident.
You need an attorney to understand your rights to compensation. You deserve to have a legal team working to get the best outcome.
Do not hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for the support you need to get your life back on track.