How Fault Is Determined in a Multi-Car Accident in OKC

It can be difficult to determine fault in any type of accident, but a multi-car accident can seem almost impossible. Multi-car accidents involve at least three different vehicles and parties, meaning that it can be extremely challenging to identify who acted negligently, caused the accident, and should be held responsible. To help you determine fault for a multi-car accident in Oklahoma City, you should consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible.

What is considered a multi-car accident?

A multi-car accident is a car accident that involves three or more vehicles at once. Sometimes, these types of crashes are referred to as pile-up accidents if they involve several vehicles that have collided with one another and caused a “pile up.” There are many reasons why multi-car accidents occur, such as:

• Speeding
• Improper lane changes
• Distracted driving or lack of attention
• Poor road or weather conditions
• Drunk or intoxicated driving
• Defective car parts

Multi-car accidents usually occur due to chain reactions. For example, one vehicle may rear-end another vehicle, and the force and impact could cause that vehicle to also rear-end the vehicle in front of them.

What makes multi-car accidents so difficult?

When it comes to the legal process, multi-car accidents are some of the most difficult car accidents that individuals can become involved in. Here are a few factors that make multi-car accidents so difficult:

• Determining who or what caused the crash: One of the main difficulties of multi-car accidents is determining what or who caused the crash. When two vehicles collide, it is typically easy to determine what caused the crash and who is liable. However, in a multi-car accident, it can take more time to decipher the crash, identify what may have caused it, and determine who is ultimately at fault.
• Multiple parties may be injured and hurt: When a multi-car accident occurs, multiple parties may be injured and hurt. Each vehicle involved may have an injured driver and passengers. Therefore, there could be multiple accident claims against the at-fault parties involved.
• Multiple parties may have caused or contributed to the accident: It is not uncommon for multiple parties to cause or contribute to a multi-car accident. Therefore, while many car accidents may only have one at-fault party, multi-car crashes usually have multiple at-fault parties, which can cause the already-complicated legal process to become even more complicated.
• Multiple insurance companies may become involved: Each driver most likely has their own insurance plan and policy. This means that when a multi-car accident happens, multiple insurance companies typically receive accident claims and become involved. Therefore, if you are injured by multiple parties in the accident, you will likely have to communicate and negotiate with multiple insurance companies to receive the justice and compensation you are owed.

How is fault determined in a multi-car accident in Oklahoma City?

Fault in a multi-car accident is usually determined by investigating the facts and details of the accident. The goal is to look at the series of events that occurred and determine who acted negligently and caused the crash. Therefore, it is a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer to look at all the factors that may have played a role in some way, such as negligent driving behavior, poor weather conditions, defective car parts, hazardous road conditions, and more. Some of the information and evidence that may be able to help determine fault in these types of accidents include:

• Police reports
• Video footage (surveillance footage, dash cam footage)
• Photographs
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert witness testimonies

Your attorney will look at the police reports, examine the accident scene and the damage each vehicle sustained, request video footage from businesses and residents near the crash scene, interview eyewitnesses, and hire expert witnesses (accident reconstructionist, highway safety expert, engineer, etc.) to explain how the accident happened and who is at fault.

What if I am partially at fault or contributed to the multi-car crash?

If you believe that you may be partially at fault or contributed to a multi-car crash in any way, it is important to know that Oklahoma uses a modified comparative fault system, which means that you can still file a claim and recover compensation as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Therefore, if it is determined that you are 20 percent at fault, another driver is 45 percent at fault, and another driver is 35 percent at fault, each individual will be considered liable for their percentage of damages. As a result, the total amount of compensation that you receive in the end will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Have you or a loved one recently been involved in a multi-car accident in or near Oklahoma City? If so, the car accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears are ready and available to help. These types of accidents cause a tremendous amount of stress, frustrations, and confusion. However, when you hire one of our experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable attorneys, you can have peace of mind, knowing that we will assist you with determining fault, collecting valuable information and evidence, filing a car accident claim or lawsuit, protecting your rights and interests, and fighting for the compensation you need and deserve to rebuild your life again. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.