Who is at Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

Rutter Mills Law Firm

Who is at Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

Car Accident Info

Assessing which party or parties were at fault in a multi-car accident is one of the more challenging inquiries that a car accident lawyer will face. We have represented injured victims from these crashes for more than 50 years. Fault in daisy-chain rear-end collisions is typically assigned to the rear car that hit the car ahead of it. In more complex multi-car accidents, the fault will be a function of the often-complex facts of the case.

What facts will a car accident lawyer analyze in a multi-car crash?

In every car accident case, a knowledgeable and experienced car accident attorney will analyze:

  • the site and location of the accident
  • citations issued to drivers for traffic law violations
  • road and weather conditions, and the time of day of the accident
  • statements from bystanders and passengers in vehicles involved in the multi-car crash
  • surveillance video from nearby businesses
  • photographs of the accident scene showing vehicle positions after the crash
  • data from onboard vehicle computers

In very complex cases, an attorney might hire a car crash reconstruction expert who will analyze the data to show how the multi-car accident unfolded.

Is the driver that initiated the multi-car accident primarily at fault?

Most multi-car accidents begin with a single collision when one driver crashes into another car. Other drivers might then react by veering away from the accident or stopping suddenly, which causes further collisions. It may seem logical that the driver who caused the first accident is responsible for everything that follows.

However, this is not correct. Other drivers might have been speeding or following too closely, or otherwise took no evasive action to avoid further accidents. Again, reconstructing the accident with all available facts is the only way to assess fault.

How do comparative negligence standards apply in multi-car crashes?

Virginia is one of a small number of states that applies a pure contributory negligence standard. This precludes a party from recovering damages if that party’s own negligence contributed to their injuries– regardless of how minimal it might have been.

Contact Rutter Mills for a free consultation

The car accident lawyers at Rutter Mills represent drivers and passengers who have suffered injuries in multi-car accidents in Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and elsewhere in Virginia. Please see our website or call us directly for a complimentary consultation with one of our lawyers.

We understand the dynamics and complexities of multi-car automobile accidents, and we will fight tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.

Additional Resources:

  1. www.nolo.com: Fault in “Chain Reaction” Car Accidents. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/fault-in-chain-reaction-car-accidents.html
  2. www.lawsuitinfocenter.com: Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlements. https://lawsuitinfocenter.com/car-accident-lawsuits/multi-vehicle-accident/

Contact a Rutter Mills attorney to speak about your case today.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Experience
0
+

Years Helping Accident Victims

Locations
0

Convenient Offices

Our Team
0
+

Team members ready to help.

TESTIMONIALS

You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.

Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.

Watch his 30 second testimonial video
Watch Glenn's 30 second story
Watch Dan's 30 second video
Watch Larena's 30 second story
Watch Jamaree's 30 second video
Watch Levon's 30 second video
Watch Ed's 30 second story
Watch Carl's 30 second video
TESTIMONIALS How We Helped