When a car crash involves more than two cars, determining fault can be challenging. This type of accident can raise issues on which party must be liable for paying the injury claim the victim may file. This can happen when more than one driver contributed to the crash. The complexity of this type of case makes it essential for victims to work with a houston car accident attorney.
Common Causes of Car Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles
Car accidents that involve more than two vehicles can happen at any time. But, some factors may increase the risk of this form of accident. These include the following:
- Inclement weather. Rainy weather can lead to poor visibility and bad road conditions, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle accidents. These accidents can occur as drivers may not see the road ahead and cannot react quickly.
- Distracted driving. A driver may fail to focus on the road because of factors such as passengers, GPS systems, and cell phones. Even a few seconds of losing focus on driving can increase the risk of accidents that can involve several vehicles.
- Speeding. Accidents that occur on the highway may involve multiple vehicles because the cars surrounding the crash are usually speeding or traveling too slowly. And the drivers of these vehicles cannot stop on time to avoid a collision.
Who Should Be Blamed?
To determine which parties must be to blame in a car accident that involves multiple vehicles, a lot of factors must be considered. These include distraction and weather impairment. The victim’s attorney can investigate the case to collect the necessary evidence. They will interview all drivers and passengers involved, examine camera footage, review photos of the accident scene, inspect vehicle damage, and interview witnesses.
How Contributory Negligence is Dealt with in Houston
The comparative fault law of Texas lets courts hold every party accountable for their percentage of fault for the car accident. Under this law, the compensation awarded to the plaintiff will be reduced based on their percentage of fault for the crash. In cases where the claimants settle with two or more persons, the damages they can recover will be decreased by a percentage that is equivalent to their percentage of responsibility.
But, the state has also added a level of complexity to the rule by adopting a modified system of comparative negligence. This system limits the ability of the at-fault driver to recover damages. Under this rule, a driver who is at least 51% to blame for the accident cannot get compensation.
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