Dealing with Multi-Vehicle Crashes

On Monday, December 24th, a multi-vehicle accident took place in the 3100 block of South Capital of Texas Highway. Three to five vehicles were reported to have been involved in the accident. Unfortunately, a child and a teenage boy were injured in the event.

Multi-vehicle accidents are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents because a single vehicle can get hit from numerous angles, multiple times. In fact, in the United States, multi-vehicle accidents account for nearly 15% of all auto-accident deaths and cause over 13,000 injuries per year.

Understanding your rights in a multi-vehicle accident can be complicated, but find comfort in the experienced and dedicated support of Ramos James Law, PLLC. If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, consider the following information.

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:

• Bad Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, icy roads, low visibility, and slippery streets can quickly lead to pile-ups.
• Speeding – Speeding is extremely dangerous, and when paired with bad weather, can cause a chain reaction of accidents.
• Cell Phones & Electronic Devices – The huge increase in cell phone use means that a large percentage of drivers on the road are being distracted. The use of electronic devices while behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of collisions.
• Intoxicated Drivers – Whether under the influence of alcohol or legal/illegal drugs, an intoxicated driver does not have the ability to properly operate a motor vehicle.
• Distracted Driving – Eating, putting on makeup, focusing on the GPS, or general negligence can lead to multi-vehicle accidents.

Discovering Who Is At Fault

Multi-vehicle accidents can become complex as there are many factors that could have caused the incident. Law enforcement agents must identify the negligent act while also investigating whether other parties were speeding, following too closely, using a cell phone, or driving negligently

When out on the road, we all are under the duty of care to drive responsibly to avoid an accident. When an individual fails, they become the proximate cause or legally responsible party. Individuals injured as a result of the at-fault driver’s behavior have a legal right to compensation.

When you file an insurance claim, the insurance adjuster will review police reports to determine if there were any arrests or citations for:

• Intoxication
• Possession of narcotics
• Open alcohol container
• Speeding
• Suspended license or unlicensed driver
• No insurance
• Reckless driving
• Following too closely

The insurance adjuster will also interview drivers, passengers, and any witnesses, while also review driving records of all drivers.

Texas uses the Modified Comparative Fault Rule. This dictates that if a person is injured in a car accident, they cannot recover any damages from the other party if they responsible for 51% or more of the accident. If the damaged party is 50% or less at fault, they may recover damages, but compensation will be reduced by their degree of fault.

Because the legal aspects of a multi-vehicle accident can become so complex and convoluted, it is in your best interest to seek the guidance of a qualified personal injury lawyer to ensure you get everything that is owed to you.

Let the experienced and compassionate team at Ramos James Law fight for you and your rights.

Knowing how to proceed with a multi-vehicle car accident can be very confusing. But Ramos James Law is here for you when you need us most.

Contact us today at (512) 537-3369 or send us an email to request an initial case evaluation.

Source: KXAN