Determining fault in a chain reaction car accident is often complicated and confusing. A chain reaction car accident involves several vehicles that all smash into each other.
How chain reaction car accidents can happen
In states such as North Dakota, poor winter weather is a factor in many car accidents. Imagine driving in snowy or icy conditions. Three or four cars ahead of you, a driver applies their breaks to slow down on the ice, but they start to side, hitting the car next to them.
Then the car behind them tries to slow down in time, but cannot, and hits the first car. This results in the next two cars, including yours, quickly applying their brakes to avoid the entire situation, but suddenly everyone crashes into each other.
Chain reaction car accidents often involve numerous injuries and significant vehicle damage. Additionally, everyone’s emotions are usually running high, which makes it difficult to think clearly. In the aftermath of this type of situation, you may wonder who should take responsibility.
Do not assume the accident is only one driver’s fault
You may believe the driver who initially caused the accident is the only one responsible. This is possible, but chain reaction accidents often involve negligence on the part of many drivers.
Sometimes the initial driver will admit to being distracted or engaging in an activity that caused the accident, establishing that the accident was solely their fault. But this is rare.
The more likely scenario is that some or all drivers were negligent in some way. For example, perhaps the first driver could not safely stop in time because they were driving too fast for conditions, while the second driver’s distraction caused them to hit the first driver and the third driver’s aggressive driving also contributed to the accident.
In most cases, a judge or jury determines a percentage of fault to each driver involved in the accident and then apply any applicable negligence laws. North Dakota follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning that your compensation will be reduced by your own percentage of fault and you cannot recover any compensation if you are found to be 50% or more at fault.
What to do after a chain reaction car accident
You should take the same steps after a chain reaction car accident as you would after any other car accident. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident. Take photographs of the accident from different angles.
Contact the police and obtain a copy of the police report. These steps will likely take more time because of the number of people and vehicles involved, but the information will be worth it when you are ready to pursue compensation.
Although determining the exact sequence of events will likely be challenging, it is important to work with a professional to figure out who was at fault. If you do not try to establish liability, you could be unable to recover any compensation, leaving you financially responsible for all accident expenses.
These expenses can quickly add up and cause you financial ruin. It is essential to take the time and put in the effort to collect evidence, analyze the crash scene and establish the fault of each driver.