How is Fault Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Auto Accident?

Car accidents involving more than two vehicles are far too common. In the last year, multiple pileups have occurred on I-94 and U.S. 23 in Michigan. Whether there are three cars or 30, multi-car accidents are complex.

Determining liability in the wake of a multi-car accident can be challenging. Dealing with insurance companies is already hard, but making sure that you receive the compensation you deserve while simultaneously trying to focus on your recovery can make everything harder.

That is why you need experienced Michigan car accident lawyers on your side. At Matz Injury Law, we work with you to fight for fair compensation from adjusters. We have served Michigan for decades and are eager to serve you. Call us for a free case evaluation at 1-866-22NOT33 or use our online contact form.

What is a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident?

Put simply, a multiple-vehicle accident is an accident involving more than two vehicles colliding, whether the total is reached by a third vehicle or many more. Other names for a multi-vehicle crash include pileup and chain reaction accidents. The latter occurs when a vehicle gets hit in the rear and is pushed into another vehicle, which can then collide with other vehicles and oncoming traffic.

A multi-car crash is particularly dangerous because vehicles typically need to be going at high speeds to be hit with enough force to knock them into other vehicles. High-speed and multi-vehicle crashes are more likely to result in critical and even life-threatening injuries. Road conditions in which braking is difficult, like ice, can also cause these accidents.

Example of a Multi-Vehicle Accident Scenario

With multi-vehicle accidents, it is common for more than one driver to be at fault. For example, imagine a three-car accident where Car #1 stops suddenly, and Car #2 is following too closely and crashes into Car #1. Then along comes Car #3, which is driving too fast and cannot stop in time, and crashes into Car #2.

In this scenario, Car #2 would be at fault for the initial crash, but Car #3 would be responsible for the second crash. As you can imagine, these situations quickly become complex, so you should call a knowledgeable Michigan car accident attorney to sort out the fault.

What Causes Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents in Michigan?

Multi-vehicle pileups are most common in winter when heavy snowfall causes whiteout conditions, but foggy weather is another culprit. These events decrease visibility and make it harder for vehicles to find traction on the roads, resulting in multi-car collisions as drivers fail to adjust to the conditions correctly.

The most common cause of multi-vehicle traffic accidents is the weather, but one inattentive driver can also trigger them, including but not limited to:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Drowsiness
• Tailgating
• Improper lane change

Unfortunately, many drivers do not know how long it will take to stop in various road conditions. Even if you leave the appropriate distance between you and the car in front of you, if you’re going 70 mph and the driver in front of you slams on their brakes, you may not stop in time.

How Are Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents Different?

A multi-vehicle collision involves several parties and moving parts, so pinpointing who is at fault is tricky. However, more importantly, the potential for serious injuries is much worse. In fact, these accidents can result in life-threatening injuries that will keep cascading as more and more vehicles become involved, leading to more injured people.

How is Fault Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Michigan?

While your insurer can typically cover economic damages, you must determine fault to seek compensation against the liable motorist. Proving fault means demonstrating negligence, a task that should be left to an experienced personal injury lawyer. To demonstrate negligence, you’ll need to be able to prove four points:

• The driver has a legal duty of care to others on the road.
• The driver breached this duty of care.
• The breach of care caused the accident.
• The accident caused your injuries.

Factors Influencing Fault Determination

When investigating an accident, several factors can influence fault determination, including but not limited to:

• Traffic laws
• Police reports
• Witness testimonies
• Physical evidence
• Photos and videos
• Dashcam footage

Why is Determining Fault Important in a Multi-Vehicle Accident?

Determining fault matters because Michigan uses a modified comparative negligence framework. If you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be decreased by the percentage of your own liability. For example, if it is determined that you are 30 percent responsible for an accident in which you suffered $100,000 worth of damages, you’d only be able to get $70,000 in compensation.

Comparative Negligence in Multi-Car Accidents

In a multi-car pileup, comparative negligence assigns the blame among all of the at-fault drivers according to how much each driver contributed to the wreck. If more than one driver’s actions or inactions were negligent, each is responsible for the percentage of the accident based on those actions or inactions.

What’s the Difference Between Comparative and Contributory Negligence?

In states that follow contributory negligence, a plaintiff who is partially at fault for the accident cannot recover damage, whereas, in states that follow comparative negligence, the plaintiff can recover reduced damages if they are partially at fault for the accident. Michigan is a comparative negligence state.

Your Legal Rights When You’re the Victim

After an accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine who is liable for your injuries and losses, negotiate with insurance companies for the compensation you deserve—not the compensation the insurance company thinks you should receive, and, if necessary, litigate your case on your behalf.

Your Legal Rights When You’re At Fault

Even if investigators find you are partially at fault for an accident, you still have rights, including the right to:

• Legal representation
• Protect your claims against your liability insurance
• Challenge the degree of fault assigned to you
• Negotiate settlements
• Settlement confidentiality

An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through your car accident claim and help you avoid having your rights violated.

What Are the Common Damages in Multi-Vehicle Accidents?

After a multiple-car accident, those involved may suffer damages and losses, including:

• Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
• Therapy expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Personal property repairs or replacement
• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship and consortium
• Loss of quality of life

What Happens if You Get Into a Multi-Car Accident in Michigan?

Because Michigan is a no-fault state, you can get compensation for damages incurred in the accident, no matter who was at fault. Michigan drivers are legally required to have personal injury protection benefits, which can cover damages such as medical costs, lost income, and funeral expenses in the event of fatalities. Property damage is covered separately but still in the same overall category of economic damages (easily quantifiable damages).

Related Article: Michigan Personal Injury Protection Guide

What Should You Do If You Are in a Multi-Car Accident?

Getting in a multi-car accident is a stressful situation, so it’s recommended that you follow the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future claim for compensation for the accident.

• Stay in your vehicle: Remain in your car with a seatbelt fastened to help keep you protected from the ongoing domino effect in multi-car accidents. Leave the car when an EMT or law enforcement tells you it is safe to do so.
• Turn on your hazard lights: If able, turn on your hazard lights to help try to warn other drivers you cannot move. This may give them the time they need to avoid causing additional collisions.
• Collect evidence: Once it’s safe to leave your car, collect as much evidence as possible (only if you don’t need emergency medical treatment). Take photos, note road conditions, and collect any other evidence that may be useful to your case.
• Notify your insurance: After collecting evidence, notify your insurance company about the accident. Remember that notifying them isn’t the same as filing a claim or accepting an offer.
• Call a car accident lawyer: To protect your right to compensation, seek legal advice from a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer. Remember, insurance companies profit by denying or undervaluing your compensation.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Determining Fault

Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. Thus, the less they have to pay for your claim, the better their bottom line (profits). They use all types of tricks to deny your claim or offer you a pittance, just enough to make you sign an unfair and unreasonable settlement.

When determining fault, they look at more than physical evidence. They may listen to the at-fault driver’s side of things, which may be inaccurate. They also try to dispute your medical claims, which is why it is imperative to document your case by obtaining medical care immediately after an accident. You should also stay off social media, as insurance companies can use even innocent posts to refute your medical claims.

Unscrupulous insurance companies may even delay your claim by ghosting you or telling you that they don’t have answers to your questions yet in an attempt to cause you to miss deadlines, including the statute of limitations.

Related Article: Guide To Filing Deadlines for Car Accident Lawsuits in Michigan

The Importance of Witnesses and Law Enforcement

An at-fault driver may embellish their side of the facts to try to shift blame to you. Additionally, accidents can happen quickly. You may forget or not realize facts that can benefit your case. Police reports tell your attorney both sides of the story as you and the at-fault driver recollect at the time.

They also list witnesses who can corroborate the facts as you recall them or add information that could help your case. An experienced car accident lawyer deposes witnesses to help build a stronger case in the event you do not remember everything or in the event the defendant lies about their part in the accident.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Car accident cases are always complex, even if they seem to be minor. An experienced personal injury lawyer with car accident claim experience can:

• Investigate the accident
• Locate everyone who may share liability for your injuries and losses, such as company owners or municipalities
• Negotiate with insurance companies, and there will be more than one in a multi-car pileup
• Litigate your case if the insurance companies refuse a fair and reasonable settlement
• Help you obtain the proper medical care
• Protect your rights

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Matz Injury Law has been standing up for Michigan’s injured since 1977. Over the decades, our attorneys have logged hundreds of thousands of miles throughout Michigan to meet with clients. When you work with our law firm, you’ll work with a partner and never feel like a case number. We’ll get to know you personally, and you’ll get to know us.

Previous Settlements

The personal injury attorneys at Matz Injury Law are committed to helping those who have been injured to help them get the compensation they need to pay for medical bills and other losses. To date, our lawyers have earned more than $300 million for our clients.

• $4.15 million settlement awarded in Washtenaw County
• $3.45 million settlement awarded in Genesee County
• $1.74 million settlement awarded in Calhoun County
• $1.3 million settlement awarded in Monroe County

Testimonials

“I highly recommend Mr. Matz’s services. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and listens to his clients’ concerns. Definitely would use his services again.” — Dean S.

“I worked with Steve and his staff for almost three years. Every interaction I had with him or the staff was great. Always happy, very personable, and always pleasant to speak with. Steve goes above and beyond for his clients and for this I am very grateful to have worked with him. If ever in need again, he will be who I contact to represent me.” — Jessica D.

Related Resources

• 2024 Guide to Michigan Car Accident Lawsuits: Michigan is a no-fault state regarding car accidents, but many factors and complexities are involved. Learn the intricacies of filing a lawsuit.

Start Your Recovery Without the Stress of an Accident Claim

A Michigan car accident lawsuit — especially a complicated one — may take years to settle. We can help you through your claim so you can spend the months following your car accident recovering from your injuries. Contact our law firm online or call 1-866-22NOT33 today to obtain a free consultation.