Multicar accidents, also known as chain-reaction crashes, can come with serious consequences. They happen suddenly and often cause injuries and even death. If you are involved in one, it is important to understand how fault is determined as well as how to protect yourself both physically and financially as explained by our Pasadena, TX auto accident lawyer.
Causes of Multicar Accidents in Pasadena, Texas
Car accidents in Texas are obviously not uncommon, especially in urban areas. Collisions that involve more than two vehicles occur for various reasons, but some common ones include:
- Not yielding while changing lanes or coming onto the interstate
- Using a phone, which distracts you from driving safely
- Not stopping at a stop sign or red light
- Braking suddenly or stopping short
- Following too closely behind another vehicle
- Failing to give right of way to pedestrians
- Not using a turn signal
If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is driving aggressively for whatever reason, the likelihood of an accident greatly increases. It will often become a multicar crash if:
- The impact is powerful enough to push a car into another one
- The impact is powerful enough to push a car into another lane of traffic
- The accident happens at an intersection where cars are coming from multiple directions
- The incident occurs during rush hour, when more cars are on the road
All it takes is one driver making an impulsive decision to cause a chain reaction.
Determining Fault From The Houston Accident Injuries Involved
In order to protect yourself and get the compensation you deserve, it is important for fault to be determined. Unfortunately, multicar accidents are more complicated than a standard two-car collision since there are many factors that come into play.
The more people involved, the more versions of the story will be reported to the police. This can make the determination of blame murky. For this reason, there are generally a few different scenarios taken into account when it comes to multicar accidents.
Breach of Duty Care
All drivers are responsible for being aware of their surroundings and other vehicles while on the road. If it can be proven that a driver neglected this duty either through action or inaction, this individual can be found legally at fault. An example of this would be merging without looking or not paying attention to a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
Cause in Fact
If an attorney can prove that a driver’s direct actions caused the crash, they will be found responsible. Examples include a blood alcohol level beyond the legal limit or camera footage of running a red light.
Proximate Cause
If the accident was easily preventable, the individual who caused them might be at fault. An example of this would be driving aggressively, under the influence, or other instances of being intentionally reckless.
Working With a Lawyer and Potential Recovery
If you have been involved in a multicar accident, it is important to contact an attorney immediately. Since there are more than two vehicles involved, in some instances, everyone will be at fault until actual fault is determined. Whether you’re guilty or innocent, an experienced lawyer’s guidance is essential.
An accident attorney will not only investigate who is truly at fault, but they will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and represent you in court if the accident goes to trial.
If you have been injured in a multicar crash, there are damages you are eligible to receive. These include:
- Reimbursement of medical bills related to the accident, past, present, and future
- Recouping lost wages if the accident left you unable to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including car repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
Contacting an attorney can seem intimidating and, if you aren’t seriously injured, perhaps unnecessary. However, having an experienced lawyer on your side is truly essential when a collision involves multiple parties. SJ Injury Attorneys offer many easy ways to get in touch, including filling out an online form or engaging in a live chat. Without even having to pick up a phone, you can schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys. Take that step today to protect yourself or a loved one from potentially serious legal consequences.
