Who is at Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?

In a multiple car collision, it can be difficult to determine fault as a number of factors must be reviewed to assign fault and liability. A multi-car accident involves at least three vehicles and often more and is often the result of speeding, distracted driving, or failure to keep vehicles under control or yield the right of way. Among the most common multiple car collisions are rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, and crashes at intersections or during lane changes.

Fault in a Multi-Car Collision

Since the most common multiple car collision is a multiple car rear end pile-up. Also known as a chain reaction, often the first vehicle to rear-end another vehicle is at fault. Why? The vehicle in the rear is usually the most capable of avoiding a crash by taking evasive actions – provided they are maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and driving at a safe speed. Failing to do so often results in the cause. Even so, more than one driver may be held at fault in a multi-car rear-end accident when the drivers’ actions are compared, and fault is assigned.

In a head-on multi-car collision, the driver who crossed into the other lane is usually at fault, though not always. There are scenarios in which the driver drifting in the other lane comes as a result of being side-swiped by another driver, who would be at fault.

Multiple vehicle accidents also happen at intersections and are often caused by a driver running a stop sign or red light or turning into traffic when the way is not clear. The driver who did not have the right of way will be at primary fault while others may also be held at fault depending on their speed and ability to avoid the crash. When a multi-vehicle collision is caused by improper lane changes, the driver making the improper lane change will be at fault.

Multi-car Accident Injuries

When multiple vehicle car accidents occur, pain and suffering as a result of injury becomes a reality. If you are involved in multi-car collision, always call the proper authorities and get medical attention for those injured. Even with modern safety protocols, injuries still occur when vehicles collide. The extent of the injuries is also affected by speed, vehicle type, and number of vehicles involved.

Common multiple vehicle accident injuries include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Knee injuries
• Brain and spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage

While these injuries are often evident at the scene, others, like pain, discomfort, or weakness may appear in the days that follow, making it imperative to see a chiropractor after an accident. The chiropractor will examine you and perform tests (X-ray and MRI) and determine any injuries as well as their extent. The chiropractor, will develop a customized care plan to alleviate your pain and restore your strength and flexibility which may include pain management, physical therapy, and massage

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a multi-car accident, call on the team at County Line Chiropractic Medical and Rehab.  They are ready to develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your pain and help you achieve a full recovery.