Multi-vehicle car accidents, or “chain-reaction” crashes, refer to accidents involving more than three parties. Car accidents are one of the top personal injury claims and occur daily throughout Texas and the rest of the world. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TDoT), one person was injured in a car accident every 2 minutes and 34 seconds in 2020.
Determining fault in a multi-vehicle car accident can be difficult. Many factors may influence how the accident happened and who is responsible.
The personal injury lawyers from The Buzbee Law Firm can help protect your legal rights and eligibility for fair compensation. We offer expert legal advice for clients via a FREE legal consultation to help you determine if you could have a successful multi-vehicle car accident claim. Get started by contacting a Texas personal injury lawyer today.
Determining Liability in Multi-Vehicle Car Crashes
Compared to typical car accident claims involving less than three parties, multi-vehicle car crash claims are more complex. Determining fault can be difficult, and more than one person is usually responsible. Often, every driver involved in a multi-vehicle car accident shares a portion of the liability.
To establish how the accident happened, investigators will first review the damages to each vehicle. Chain-reaction car crashes often happen because one vehicle rear-ends another. Other times, vehicles may have been tailgating or following behind you too close to stop in time.
However a multi-vehicle car accident occurs, our Texas car accident attorneys will launch an in-depth investigation into all involved parties. We are well-versed in traffic laws and violations and can hold negligent parties accountable for their wrongful actions.
How Negligence Helps Establish Fault in Chain Reaction Car Crashes in Texas
Negligent behavior is often the cause of chain reaction car accidents. To determine who caused a multi-vehicle car accident, personal injury lawyers in Texas must prove that one or more parties acted negligently. Many factors will be considered while investigating negligent behavior behind the wheel, including but not limited to the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents. According to the Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts provided by the TDoT, 369 people lost their lives in 2020 due to Texas car crashes that involved distracted driving. Distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes away from the road, including:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Putting on makeup
- Taking care of a child
- Talking to someone in the car
- Reaching for a dropped item
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Every driver is responsible for driving as safely as possible to protect themselves and others on the road. When drivers fail to do so, they can hurt or kill themselves or others. According to the Aggressive Driving Fact Sheet provided by the Texas Department of Insurance, approximately 80% of drivers expressed anger or other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.
It is important to follow the rules of the road and to always use your turn signals to indicate if you wish to make a turn or move into a different lane. This allows other drivers to prepare or move out of your way if you plan to change course while on the road.
Traffic Violations
When other drivers violate traffic laws, they put everyone, including themselves, in danger. Traffic violations can cause chain reaction car crashes if other drivers do not have time to react or get out of the way of another vehicle. Examples of traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Making illegal u-turns
- Disobeying any other traffic law
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is illegal and very dangerous. While under the influence, your mind and judgment-making skills are impaired. Multi-vehicle car accidents can happen if you’re drunk and not thinking clearly.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents in Texas?
Driver negligence is one of the leading factors in multi-vehicle car accidents. However, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of chain reaction crashes happening. Factors that increase the likelihood of a multi-vehicle car accident occurring include the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Hazardous weather
- Poor road conditions
- Poor visibility
- Mechanical failure
- Peak traffic hour
- Busy cities
- Location/time of day
To protect your legal rights, consider hiring a car accident lawyer in Texas. We can help you collect evidence after a multi-vehicle car accident to increase your chances of winning a settlement to recover damages.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
According to the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001 for personal injury claims in Texas, the comparative negligence rule influences your right and eligibility for compensation after a car accident. Comparative fault, or the “51% rule,” refers to how much fault you hold in the accident. Drivers who hold 50% of the fault for a car accident in Texas would be eligible for compensation; however, your settlement may be reduced by 50% to account for your role in the accident.
If your fault exceeds 50%, you will not be eligible for compensation in Texas. To learn more about the comparative fault rule in Texas, or to determine your percentage of fault after a multi-vehicle car accident, speak to a car accident lawyer in Texas.
Hire a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Lawyer in Texas
Chain reaction car accident claims are complex. Cases involving more than three parties require the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas. If you’re looking for top-rated legal representation, look no further than The Buzbee Law Firm.
Our highly-skilled car accident lawyers in Texas are here to offer expert legal advice starting with a FREE legal consultation. We can help determine if you are eligible for a payout after a multi-vehicle car accident involving more than three cars. Protect yourself and your loved ones and contact a car accident lawyer from The Buzbee Law Firm today.
