3-Car Pile-Up Accidents: Who is at Fault?
We have all witnessed a scenario where three vehicles are involved in a car crash. Who is responsible for a wreck involving more than one car? In many such cases, the liability is difficult to ascertain, resulting in extended legal battles over compensatory damages for injuries and property damage.
The most crucial factor in establishing liability in multi-vehicle wrecks is the position of your vehicle compared to the other vehicles involved. Following is a breakdown of important factors in determining liability in a three-car pileup accident.
The Liability of the “Front Car” in a Three-Car Pile Up Crash
“Front car” refers to the automobile in the front or the first vehicle starting from the front. In general, the first car is not held at fault. But, in certain cases, the first car suddenly slammed on the brakes to prevent rear-ending with another vehicle and was subsequently struck from behind.
If it can be shown that the front car contributed to the crash by abruptly braking, then responsibility can be assigned differently. Mississippi is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that if you are found liable, the percentage of fault that courts assign to you will be reduced from any final judgment or recovery.
Middle Car Liability
The car in the middle will be held liable for the damage to the front vehicle, even if the force from the third or last car caused the collision. In general, the middle vehicle will be responsible to the front vehicle for any damage caused due to the crash.
The front car can pursue a cause of action against both the middle and last vehicle if necessary. This situation can occur when inadequate funds are available in the insurance plan. For instance, if the front vehicle has significant injuries and the middle car only had a minimum policy ($15,000), then it is possible to pursue a cause of action against both cars for your damages.
Last Car Liability
The last car is often seen as the vehicle at fault for causing the crash. However, comparative negligence can be argued if there is a sudden halt by the front or middle vehicle. In such cases, the final vehicle can be held liable for damage to the front and middle car, depending on the type of damage.
The middle car may be able to pursue a claim against the end car for injuries related to the wreck. But in some cases, the last car may not be liable. If there are sudden brake issues or loss of brakes, the liability can move to other parties.
Multiple Drivers May Be Responsible
At times, three-car crashes do not occur due to only one driver’s fault. Multiple drivers may share responsibility for the accident. Mississippi uses the principle of joint and several liability, which means that two or more parties can be independently liable for damages.
Each party may be 100 percent responsible for the economic damages of the victim but only partially responsible for non-economic losses based on percentages of fault. In an accident involving multiple liable motorists, a victim could collect full settlements from more than one insurance provider.
Even if a victim does contribute to the three-vehicle accident, they could remain entitled to partial compensation under the pure comparative negligence standard. Under this standard, even if a plaintiff was 99 percent responsible for a crash, they could still get one percent of a compensatory award. The liability for a crash will not prevent the plaintiff from financial recovery as long as another was also at fault for the wreck.
It’s rare that an entire multi-vehicle accident is the fault of one single driver. Usually, liability is split among multiple people. Someone may be partially liable for speeding, while the lion’s share of liability may go to the driver who ran a red light. These issues must be sorted out before victims can pursue the compensation they are owed.
The Role of Law Enforcement in Identifying Fault After A Vehicle Accident
Following a crash, it is always a good idea to remain on-site until police officers arrive. The officers will interview every party involved in the crash as well as any eyewitnesses to be able to create the most accurate account of what occurred. Afterward, the officers include that account in their official report, which may or may not include their professional opinion of who was responsible for the collision.
Measures to Take After a Three-Vehicle Pile-Up Crash
Some vital steps to take right after your car accident are as follows:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Your Injuries
Irrespective of how you feel after a pile-up crash, get a medical assessment immediately. Your injuries could be worse than you believe.
Exchange Insurance Information
Even if you feel that you are responsible for the crash, maintain a record of all insurance details for the cars involved.
