Texas boasts some of the largest and busiest highways and interstates in the country. While this is great for commerce, it can also be very dangerous for drivers. This is never more the case than when it comes to chain-reaction car accidents. A single negligent driver can cause catastrophic damage in the blink of an eye. These accidents often begin with a rear-end accident or roll-over accident that other drivers are unable to avoid, resulting in a multiple-vehicle pile-up or collision. This can result in countless injuries and even deaths. If you have suffered injuries in a chain-reaction car accident, you may be feeling frustrated at how difficult the insurance claims process can be to navigate. The good news is that you do not have to navigate the process alone. Having a dedicated personal injury attorney can make all the difference when it comes to getting the support and coverage that you need after an accident of this magnitude.
How is Fault Determined in a Chain-Reaction Car Accident?
Fault can be complicated to determine even when there are only two drivers involved, however, it is undoubtedly more complex when there are multiple vehicles impacted. Insurance investigators will generally conduct a very thorough overview of the circumstances of the crash to determine who was at fault. This will include reviewing the police report, as well as statements from all drivers involved as well as any witnesses, and any additional evidence, such as dash cam footage or photos and videos taken at the scene. This process can take months, and, depending on the size and complexity of the crash, maybe even over a year. Having an attorney can help to expedite this process in some cases.
Who is at Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Collision?
The insurance investigators will review all available evidence to determine which driver’s negligence initially provoked the chain reaction. For instance, if one driver was driving under the influence of alcohol and rear-ended a second driver, provoking a chain-reaction car accident, the drunk driver’s negligence would have provoked the accident, so they would be found at fault. In some cases, the fault may be allocated among multiple drivers. For instance, if the second driver did not have functioning taillights and was driving well below the speed limit, they may also be assigned some portion of the responsibility for causing the accident. In most cases, being assigned a small portion of the liability for an accident will not prevent you from recovering damages for your injuries. A lawyer may also be able to fight to reduce the amount of fault that you were assigned.
Contact the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a chain-reaction car accident or vehicle collision in Edinburg, Texas, our lawyers will fight to make sure that you get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo today to schedule a consultation.