How to Determine Liability After a Multi-Vehicle Accident?

Determining who was at fault after a car accident is tricky in itself, but it can be even more challenging if three or more vehicles are involved. If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle car accident, you should talk to a Uber accident lawyer in Jersey City today and figure out your next steps. 

What factors are considered in determining liability? 

  • The police report 

The police report contains details regarding the car accident. This includes the time and location of the accident, who was injured, what vehicles were involved, and possibly also who acted negligently first. The insurance companies will go through the report. If your statements do not match those of the other drivers, then the police report plays a big role in clarifying the facts of your case. 

  • Photograph or video evidence 

If multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, then there is a higher chance that at least one recorded the crash on a dash cam. There may even be surveillance cameras near the accident scene that may have recorded the accident. All of these can help attorneys get a better picture of how the accident occurred. 

  • Witness testimonies 

Eyewitness testimonies can significantly determine liability when the involved drivers disagree about who caused the accident. When the statements of the driver do not match the police report, even then, the witness statements can play a crucial role. 

  • Other evidence 

Every car crash is unique, especially when it comes to multi-vehicle accidents. There may be other evidence that can be used in your case. However, much of the evidence is time sensitive, so it is important to contact a car accident attorney and begin an investigation as soon as possible. 

What are the different methods of determining liability? 

  1. The drivers who were involved in the accident came to a mutual decision 
  2. The decision is made based on the police report 
  3. The insurance companies make the decision 
  4. Arbitration decides 
  5. The jury makes the decision 

How do state laws affect liability? 

Some states in the United States have a “no-fault” policy, so each driver’s insurance company will pay for the damages. However, many other states are fault-based, and thus, the liable parties will have to bear the weight of compensation. 

A car accident attorney can help you. 

You may be eligible for compensation if you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident that was not your fault. Reach out to an experienced car accident attorney today and figure out what you can do next.