Can Multiple Parties Be Liable for a Car Crash?

Sometimes multiple parties can be liable for causing a car crash, which means you may be able to recover compensation from multiple sources if you were injured in such an accident.

At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, our lawyers are well-versed in the issues involved with complex car accident cases involving multiple liable parties. Our dedicated team of legal professionals has 50-plus years of legal experience and we have obtained millions in compensation on behalf of Texas injury victims. Your initial consultation is 100 percent free and we do not charge you any lawyer fees unless we recover funds for your claim.

What Causes Multi-Vehicle Car Crashes?

Multi-vehicle car accidents can sometimes include multiple points of impact, which can cause severe injuries and may even result in death. Some of the more common causes of multi-vehicle crashes are due to:

• Tailgating – Drivers who follow other vehicles too closely have less time to stop in case the driver ahead of them should come to a sudden stop. This could cause a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
• Distracted driving – Drivers who are distracted have a higher chance of causing a multiple vehicle accident. This includes using a cell phone, adjusting the radio or GPS, eating, drinking or talking to passengers.
• Speeding – Driving too fast can result in loss of control of the vehicle and rear-end crashes, which can cause a multi-vehicle pileup if they cannot come to a stop. There is a much higher risk of a multi-vehicle crash on an interstate where vehicles are traveling over 50 miles per hour.
• Impaired driving – Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs are less alert, which means they may not be able to react to something happening ahead of them.
• Weather conditions – Sometimes multi-vehicle crashes are the result of poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog or high winds. When these factors are combined with driver negligence, a multi-vehicle crash may result.
• Driving while drowsy – Drivers who are sleepy or fatigued may doze off behind the wheel, which greatly increases the risk of a dangerous crash.

If your accident was caused by any of the above forms of negligence, you could be eligible for compensation to pay for medical bills, lost wages if you missed work and property damage. Call Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP to schedule your no-cost consultation.

Understanding Liability for These Accidents

When more than two vehicles get into an accident, multiple drivers could share fault for the crash. Often the driver who started the crash bears most of the fault. However, other drivers may be liable for speeding or other forms of negligence, such as those discussed above.

As these crashes are complicated, it is important to hire an experienced lawyer to represent you and investigate the situation. The insurance company may quickly offer a settlement, but you should be suspicious of any of these offers. It takes time to properly investigate a multi-vehicle crash and assess liability.

Our firm is prepared to consult experts, seek out video footage, study damage to the vehicles involved and interview witnesses to determine fault.

Comparative Fault in Texas

Since more than one driver could be liable for an accident, many states, including Texas, have enacted comparative fault laws. These laws say each party involved in the accident can be held financially responsible for their percentage of fault. If one party is found 20 percent at fault, that party is responsible for 20 percent of the victim’s damages.

However, you cannot seek compensation from any parties who hold less fault than you do in the accident. Any compensation you are awarded from other parties will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 for your damages after an accident and you were found to be 20 percent liable, you would only receive $80,000.

Get in Touch with a Qualified Texas Lawyer

If you were injured in an accident where multiple parties may be liable, it is important to discuss your claim with a qualified legal professional who has experience handling these types of cases.

Get in contact with a lawyer from Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP today to discuss your legal options in a no-cost consultation. We charge you nothing unless we win compensation for your claim and there is no obligation attached.

Our dedicated team is standing by to take your call: (817) 920-9000.