Car collisions can be life-altering, especially if you incur serious bodily damage from the crash. In 2020, 123 victims suffered fatal injuries due to accidents in Brentwood.
Vehicle collisions become more complicated when there are multiple parties involved. In such cases, you will need to determine the driver liable for the accident to recover compensation for the damages. To win a multi-car accident claim, you will need to:
- Gather evidence
- Determine the at-fault party
- Document the total damage expenses
- Seek legal advice from experts
Read on to learn how to win a multi-car accident in Brentwood to claim restitution from the crash.
What Happens in a Multi-Car Accident?
In a multi-car accident, a driver hits another vehicle which prompts it to strike another car. In such cases, the at-fault driver’s negligence causes a series of auto collisions involving multiple parties. Sometimes, a multi-vehicle crash can result from several parties’ wrongdoings.
The most common causes of multi-car crashes are the following:
- poor weather conditions,
- drinking under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
- reckless driving, and
- low visibility during nighttime.
Multi-vehicle accidents can happen in several circumstances. The most frequent types of multi-vehicle crashes include the following:
| Type of Collision | Cause of Collision |
| Head-on |
|
| Side-impact |
|
| Rear-end |
|
| Pile-up |
|
Who Pays in a Multi-Car Accident?
When you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Bakersfield, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for the damages. However, you must have sufficient evidence to prove the following elements of negligence:
- The driver had the responsibility to ensure the safety of all road users.
- The driver neglected this duty.
- The breach caused a multi-vehicle crash.
- The accident resulted in injuries or other damages.
Moreover, if multiple drivers are responsible for a crash, you may recover compensation from each. When this happens, you may need a legal expert to help prove the liability of all the involved at-fault parties.
Who Is Liable in a Multi-Car Accident?
In a multi-vehicle collision, several parties may be liable for the accident, depending on the nature of the crash.
The At-Fault Party Caused the Multi-Vehicle Accident
Generally, the driver who caused the multi-car accident should be held responsible for the damages of the crash.
Let’s say a vehicle ran a red light, causing it to slam into three more cars. In this case, the driver who ran the red light should pay for the damages of the crash.
Remember that you may only pursue a multi-vehicle car accident claim if you have the necessary evidence to prove your claim. If the at-fault driver’s insurance determines that you lack evidence to support your case, you will likely lose your claim and shoulder your damage expenses.
You are Partly Responsible for the Crash
If you are partially responsible for the collision, you may still receive compensation for the damages. However, you will likely retrieve a reduced settlement amount based on the damages you caused.
For instance, the driver behind was tailgating you. When you hit a sudden brake, the driver failed to stop instantly, causing a rear-end collision. In this case, you and the other driver have the right to pursue a claim.
Let’s say from that scenario, you were 30% at fault. In this instance, you may receive 70% of the compensation. On the other hand, the other driver may also file a claim against you to collect 30% of the damages.
It is best to contact a Brentwood personal injury lawyer to help you take the appropriate legal steps immediately and avoid having your case dismissed.
There are Multiple Parties Liable for the Collision
If several parties are liable for the multi-car collision, you may pursue a case against each. When this happens, you must instantly prove different car accident cases. You will need sufficient evidence to prove each car accident claim.
When handling multiple car accident claims, you will need a Brentwood personal injury lawyer who has the resources to prove liability in each case and help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
4 Steps to Win a Multi-Car Accident in Brentwood
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Brentwood, the steps below will help you successfully win your case.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Evidence is vital to building an accident case against the at-fault party. This will help you determine the driver responsible for the crash and allow you to recover compensation from the accident.
- Try to recover as much evidence as you can after the crash in Brentwood, such as:
- Photos of the damages
- Make sure to take photos of the damage from several angles. This will help your lawyer determine the cause of the accident and identify the culprit.
- You may also capture the damages caused by the other vehicles involved in the crash.
- Personal information of all parties engaged in the car accident, such as their name, driver’s license numbers, and home address.
- Witness testimonies
- CCTV or surveillance footage within the location of the accident
Sometimes, the impact of a multi-car accident in Brentwood may be so severe that it causes serious bodily injuries to its victims. Suppose you can’t gather evidence at the accident scene due to physical pain. In that case, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer can examine the accident and collate the necessary evidence to support your claim.
In addition, you can use your medical bills and records as evidence when pursuing a claim against the driver responsible for the crash.
Step 2: Determine Who Is at Fault
Another factor that heavily affects your claim is determining the at-fault party in the accident in Brentwood. In a multi-accident accident, it may be challenging to identify the driver responsible for the crash.
Generally, you must prove these factors when establishing a driver’s negligence that caused the accident:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver disregarded that duty
- The breach of duty caused the accident
- The accident resulted in damages
Let’s say your accident was a rear-end collision. In such cases, the driver at the back is at fault for hitting the car in front of them. The impact will prompt that vehicle to bump into another, causing a chain reaction.
In the said scenario, it is easy to determine who is responsible for the crash. However, that is not always the case. There are multi-car accidents where several parties are accountable for the collision.
A Brentwood personal injury lawyer can help you identify the at-fault parties and seek restitution from the culprits of the accident.
Step 3: Document the Total Damage Expenses
When claiming your compensation, you will need documents stating the damages and expenses incurred from the accident. This will help you calculate the maximum settlement value you deserve.
Collect the following documents to know the total damages:
- Hospital bills
- Medical treatments and rehabilitation expenses
- Future medical costs
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages and others
In addition to these damages, you may also seek restitution for the emotional distress you suffered from the accident. However, this type of damage may be challenging to quantify. An accident attorney can help you calculate the total damages, including pain and suffering, and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance provider on your behalf.
Step 4: Seek Legal Advice from Experts
Seeking legal advice from experts is essential at the beginning of the case for you to have a smooth negotiation with the insurance provider. However, if you fail to do this after the accident, you may still reach out to a Brentwood personal injury lawyer to support you with your legal needs.
Hiring a lawyer benefits you, especially if you are still recovering from the bodily injuries incurred from the crash. You must be in contact with an attorney who will prioritize your needs and do their best to help you win your case.
What Damages Can I Include in My Multi-Car Accident Settlement?
Unfortunately, most multi-vehicle car accidents result in significant injuries. In such circumstances, you may consider all types of compensation to maximize your payout:
| Economic Damages (financial losses) | Non-economic Damages (non-monetary losses) |
| Medical bills Other health-related expenses, such as medical equipment or aid Vehicle repair or replacement costs Lost wages Future loss of income Burial and funeral expenses (in case of wrongful death) |
|
They will also investigate your accident to establish your eligibility for punitive damages. These are costs paid to victims if the actions of the at-fault motorist are deemed malicious, excessive, or purposeful.
While these damages are compensable, how will you quantify non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering? To maximize your settlement, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer can calculate all possible losses, including non-economic damages.
What to Do in a Multi-Car Accident in Brentwood?
If you are involved in a multi-car crash in Brentwood, taking these actions will ensure your safety and help build your case after the accident:
- Stay calm.
- Check if you have injuries.
- Call 911 or the nearest hospital in Brentwood.
- Exchange information with the other drivers.
- Gather evidence if you can.
- Cooperate with law enforcement.
- File an initial accident report.
- Contact a Brentwood personal injury lawyer.
How Can a Brentwood Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Handling a multi-vehicle accident claim may be challenging, especially if you incur significant injuries from the crash.
Let’s say it was physically impossible for you to collect evidence at the accident scene during the crash because of your injuries. How will you prove your case in such instances? A Brentwood personal injury lawyer can help sort out your case by examining your collision and gathering evidence to justify your claim.
They can help you:
- Identify the driver(s) responsible for the crash.
- Gather evidence.
- Prove liability.
- Provide legal options that fit your needs.
- Calculate the total damages.
- Negotiate on your behalf.
We at Jacoby & Meyers have experienced injury lawyers with expertise in multi-car accidents in Brentwood. If you need help winning your case, we will assist you from the beginning up to the negotiation stage. Contact us at 800-992-2222 for a free consultation. Let us know how we can help you today!