Who is at fault in a multiple-vehicle crash?

In the chaotic aftermath of a multiple-vehicle car accident, determining liability can be a complex process.

Establishing liability, or legal responsibility, is necessary to ensure fair compensation for those involved.

Accident scene assessment

The first step in determining liability is a thorough examination of the accident scene. Law enforcement officials and insurance adjusters scrutinize skid marks, vehicle positions and other physical evidence. This careful analysis helps reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Witness statements and testimonies

Eyewitness accounts play an important role in determining liability. Those who observed the accident can provide valuable information about what transpired. Their statements help paint a clearer picture for investigators, aiding in the assessment of fault.

Traffic violations and citations

Traffic laws serve to promote safe driving practices. Violating these laws can significantly impact liability. If one driver disregarded a traffic signal or committed another violation leading to the accident, they may hold responsibility.

Chain of events

Establishing the chain of events leading to the collision is necessary. Identifying the initial cause and subsequent actions of each driver involved helps assign liability. It is not merely the point of impact that matters but understanding how the events unfolded.

Comparative negligence

In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility for the accident. Comparative negligence is a legal concept that allocates fault based on the degree of each party’s contribution. For instance, if one driver was speeding but another failed to yield, liability may be proportionally divided.

In 2022, 97,388 car accidents happened in Chicago. For people injured, understanding liability is key to navigating a claim.