With more and more vehicles crowding Florida’s roadways each year, chain reaction accidents and multi-car crashes involving three or more vehicles are becoming an all too common occurrence.
Under Florida law, you have a right to seek compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of an auto accident in which another driver was responsible. In order to collect for these damages, you must first be able to establish who was at fault and how much liability each driver had in the accident.
This is important because Florida is a comparative liability state, which means that in the event of an accident with another vehicle, the amount of compensation is directly proportional to the driver’s percentage of fault.
Determining liability and responsibility after a car crash involving two automobiles is generally straight-forward. However, things can get complicated when more than two cars are involved. Who is responsible and to what extent? Who is liable for what damages and whose injuries?
Determining Fault in a Multi-Car Crashes in Florida
Like any accident out on the roads, multi-car crashes can occur due to many things: driver error, poor visibility, poor road conditions, etc. What makes multiple vehicle accidents so challenging to investigate is that more than one driver may share liability for the accident, especially in chain reaction accidents.
For example: Car B was not paying attention and hits Car A when Car A unexpectedly hits the brakes. In this instance, Car B is at fault. But what happens when Car C subsequently rear-ends Car B as a result of Car B colliding with Car A? If it can be determined that Car C struck Car B because it was following too closely or driving too fast, Car C may be responsible for any damages done to the driver of Car B and any additional damages caused to the driver of Car A as a result of the second collision. It may also be possible that a third-party shared responsibility for the collisions, say if the accident were caused by a defective wheel or a brake shoe on one of the vehicles.
Following the accident, it will be up to each party to demonstrate who was responsible for what damages after a multi vehicle accident in Florida. A judge and/or jury will use this evidence to determine which driver(s) were at fault and assign liability based on the percentage they believe each was responsible for the accident. Without any proof to back up a claim, a party may lose out on compensation they are owed, or worse, be forced to pay for damages they didn’t cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims
How Much Can I Expect From a Florida Car Accident Case?
Almost every legal settlement is different, and the details can dramatically change the outcome. Some examples of details that can affect the outcome include:
• What kind of insurance coverage the other driver(s) has
• Past and expected future medical expenses
• Lost earnings, both in the past and expected in the future
• Pain and Suffering
What Should I Do if I am Involved in an Accident?
After an accident, you should do the following to make sure you get the settlement you deserve:
• Remain at the scene of the accident.
• Assist with anyone who may have been injured in the accident, including other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
• Call the police and an ambulance if necessary.
• Take pictures and notes of the scene to use as evidence.
• See a doctor to assess any potential injuries.
• Contact an experienced attorney.
Do I Need to See a Doctor Even if I Feel Fine After an Accident?
You should definitely seek professional medical attention after an accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. It can take several days for some accident-related injuries to manifest themselves.
Rivas Law Group Can Find the Truth in Multiple Vehicle Accident Claims
Don’t put off seeking legal help after being injured in an auto accident, especially one that involved more than two vehicles. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to gather critical evidence in establishing your claim.
If you have been injured in an auto accident that involved more than two vehicles, you’ll want an attorney at your side with the skills and resources to investigate and unravel even the most complicated multiple vehicle accident scenes without missing a detail. Lutz car accident lawyer Tania Rivas and the Rivas Law Group have extensive experience investigating multiple vehicle accidents and using that evidence to obtain the highest compensation possible for their clients’ damages. Contact Rivas Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.
