Determining Fault After a Chain Reaction Car Accident in California

Posted on by Naseer Khan
a car accident

While driving down California’s palm-lined roadways, it is not uncommon to see a multi-car pile up. These accidents typically occur in a chain reaction when one collision causes a roadblock or strong impact that leads to one or more additional collisions. Since several drivers and vehicles are involved in chain reaction accidents, it can be challenging to determine who is at fault. If you have been injured in a multi-car pile-up in California, an experienced car accident attorney can help you establish liability and hold those responsible fully accountable for your injuries. 

At NK Law Group, our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping car accident victims in California recover the maximum compensation available for their injuries and other losses. Our lead attorney, Naseer Khan, Esq., is committed to keeping an open and honest line of communication with his clients as he fights tirelessly for their rights and interests. When you partner with him, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the care and expertise of a seasoned legal professional.  

Establishing Liability in a Chain Reaction Accident

It is a common misconception that the last car in the chain reaction is automatically at fault for the accident, under the assumption that they pushed the other vehicles to collide. However, this is not always the case. A pile-up can occur if a collision occurs at an intersection, for example, and another driver is distracted and fails to stop or avoid the stopped vehicles. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, one or several individuals may be at fault. Since the issue of liability can be complex, your attorney will rely on evidence to prove fault and build a strong claim on your behalf. Some essential evidence that can help establish liability includes the following:

  • Police reports
  • Photos of the accident scene
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Photos of the damage to all vehicles involved
  • Video footage of the accident
  • Eyewitness testimonies
  • Onboard vehicle technology
  • Traffic citations
  • Accident reconstruction animation video
  • Automobile expert witnesses

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to collect critical evidence and establish the at fault driver’s liability. 

How Does Comparative Negligence Apply to Multi-Car Accidents?

In multi-car accidents, there is often more than one liable party. When more than one individual’s actions led to an accident, California’s comparative negligence laws may affect your claim for compensation. For example, suppose driver A runs a stoplight and collides with driver B. Then, driver C crashes with driver A because they are texting behind the wheel. In this scenario, both drivers, A and C would bear fault. 

Depending on the details, each driver would be assigned a percentage of fault. In this scenario, if driver A was 60% responsible and driver B was 40% responsible, the amount they could recover in compensation would be reduced by that percentage. Meanwhile, driver B, bearing no fault, would be eligible to collect 100% of the compensation available to them. Your attorney will review every aspect of your case to determine who bears liability as well as the amount of compensation you may be entitled to recover. 

Contact a Trusted California Car Accident Attorney at NK Law Group

Chain reaction accidents can be complex and often leave victims facing injuries and other damages. If you have suffered an injury in a multi-car accident in California, it is critical to have an experienced car accident attorney in your corner. At NK Law Group, our attorneys are committed to providing personalized and top-notch legal services to our clients as we fight for justice on their behalf. We know how challenging recovering from an accident can be and will handle every detail of your case so you can get your life back on track. To learn more about how we can help you, call us today at (510) 519-9497 or complete our contact form.

Naseer Khan, Esq.

EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY

Naseer Khan, Esq.

January 2 2023

Top-rated personal injury attorney Naseer Khan, Esq. has over a decade of experience advocating for injury victims in California. As an award-winning attorney and a member of the American Association for Justice, Khan has a stellar track record of success and devotion to justice for his clients.

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