If an automobile accident occurs that involves at least 3 vehicles, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. Although every state has different laws dealing with multiple car accidents, Texas determines who is at fault by the following factors:
The Car in the Back
If several vehicles are part of a significant rear end chain reaction collision, then the individual who was driving the last car is at fault. This individual will be liable for all other accident victims injuries and automobile damages.
The Car in the Front
There are circumstances where the front vehicle is at fault. If the other drivers involved in the accident are able to prove the front car made a stop for no cause or acted in an erratic manner, then the front driver will be held liable for the collision.
The Car in the Middle
When the driver in the back of the collision is able to prove he or she did not have enough time to react to the middle vehicle, the driver in the middle vehicle will be held responsible for the accident.
Automobile Malfunction
A product manufacturer may be held responsible for the accident if the accident was caused by faulty brakes, a blown tire, or other automobile malfunctions.
A Hit and Run or Phantom Vehicle
There are times when the driver in the back will report there was another vehicle that caused the accident. If the rear driver claims there was a vehicle behind him or her that caused the accident, and there is damage to the rear vehicle, the phantom vehicle is at fault.
A multiple vehicle collision can happen due to several factors that may come into play when determining fault. For example, speeding, falling asleep while driving, intoxication, and being distracted can all be factors that determine who is at fault.
When no one claims responsibility in a multiple vehicle accident, it can be easy for the parties involved to blame one another. If you have been involved in a multiple car accident and there are conflicting stories, it is important to contact an attorney who has experience handling multiple vehicle car accidents. An experienced attorney can provide you with guidance and protect your rights.
How to Determine Fault
When an investigation begins that involves a multiple car accident, the investigators will look at several factors such as driver history. Furthermore, investigators will also take pictures of the scene and interview any witnesses. Although each witness may have a different story, it is up to the investigators to uncover the truth.
It is important to remember that other factors will be taken into consideration to determine fault in a multiple car accident, which may include black ice on the road that caused the accident. There are also certain medical conditions that can mitigate responsibility. If an individual has a stroke while driving, and it causes a multiple car accident, it can be difficult to hold this individual liable because he or she did not know they were goings to have a stroke. Furthermore, if a driver experiences a loss of consciousness because of a medical condition, it can also mitigate fault.
There is a modified comparative fault rule in Texas. When more than one driver is the cause of a multiple vehicle accident, the damages could be reduced by a determining the percentage of fault for each driver.
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