Any party that causes a rear–end collision involving three or more cars can be held at fault for the crash. Sometimes, multiple drivers contribute to these accidents. In many cases, a Los Angeles rear-end collision lawyer will have to investigate to determine who holds liability for a crash.
An attorney can also assist you in securing fair compensation if someone rear-ends you in California. Your lawyer can work tirelessly to ensure you get the money you need to make a full financial recovery.
Who’s At Fault for a Rear-End Crash Involving Three or More Cars?
In the state of California, the one to blame in a multi-car accident is outlined in the California Civil Code (CIV) §1714, which basically states that anyone who acted with little regard to the safety of others (such as by disobeying rules of the road) will be held liable for the accident.
For example, drivers may hold liability for a multi-vehicle collision if they:
- Drive too fast for conditions and rear-end another vehicle.
- Run a stop sign or traffic light and rear-end someone.
- Tailgate another driver and end up striking them from behind.
- Change lanes without using turn signals and get hit from behind.
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer will need to investigate a three-car rear-end collision carefully to determine liability before proceeding with a personal injury claim. A lawyer can also give you more information about who’s to blame for a rear-end accident involving three or more vehicles.
What Causes Multi-Car Collisions?
Many activities can lead to multi-vehicle crashes. Sometimes, these accidents occur due to distracted driving, aggressive driving, fatigued driving, or impaired driving.
In many cases, these crashes involve:
The Domino Effect
The domino effect occurs when a car hits another car, causing the impacted car to also hit the car in front of it.
A hits B → B hits C
Lawyers may also call this a chain reaction crash. In this scenario, the blame will be placed on the driver who instigated the series of collisions (Car A).
The Double Impact Effect
The double impact effect occurs when a car is struck twice by two different drivers. These crashes usually happen when the two cars behind you are speeding and/or tailgating.
B hits A → C hits B → B hits A (again)
In this scenario, Car A stopped. Car B — who was likely speeding and/or tailgating — does not have enough leverage to make a safe stop and hits A. Car C, who was behind B, also does not have enough leverage to brake safely, causing the driver to run into B, which ultimately led B to hit A again.
Car A can then place the blame on both B and C. Even so, it’s difficult to pinpoint who exactly is at fault in certain scenarios. Be sure to consult with the team at Omega Law Group if you’re dealing with a multiple-car accident.
(310) 526-8383Recent Data on Multiple Car Crash Accidents
Statistical data released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggest that a multiple-vehicle collision usually results in more traffic deaths than a single-car crash because more people are involved.
What to Do in a Multiple Vehicle Collision
Here’s what you need to do when you’re involved in a multi-car accident:
Call The Police
You should notify the police after any rear-end collision that results in injuries or vehicle damage. The police can visit the scene of your crash, assess what happened, and file an official report.
Your personal injury attorney may use the information in police reports when working on your claim.
Exchange Information
You need to exchange the following insurance and driver’s license information with all involved parties.
Gather Evidence
If possible, you should collect evidence from the scene of your three-car rear-end collision. You may need to:
- Take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle
- Get contact details from eyewitnesses
- Write down an account of what happened
Your attorney may use this information when building your claim.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the confusing ins and outs of the judicial system and get you the maximum compensation you deserve to cover your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An attorney can handle all contact with insurance companies, focus on fault determination, and support you if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Talk to Us After a Multi-Vehicle Rear-End Accident
So, who is at fault in a rear-end collision involving three or more cars? In this situation, any of the involved drivers could hold responsibility for the crash.
Our team at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can investigate the specifics of your accident and get to work on building your claim after a crash. We have extensive experience, and we’re ready to help, so reach out now for a risk-free consultation.
