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

Key Takeaways

• Car accidents are frequent in Michigan, including multi-car accidents, which involve three or more vehicles.
• Bad weather and poor driving decisions often contribute to multi-car crashes.
• If you are involved in a multi-car accident, stay in your vehicle until emergency responders tell you it’s safe because, with multiple cars, there could be a chain reaction with additional rear-end collisions.
• Multi-vehicle accidents can be tricky legal situations, and working with a knowledgeable Michigan attorney can help work through the complexities.

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.

In the wake of a multi-car accident, determining liability can be challenging. Dealing with insurance companies is already difficult, but making sure that you get as much compensation as you can is a lot to take on while you’re focused primarily on recovery.

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 collide, whether the total is reached by a third vehicle or many more. Other names for a multi-vehicle crash include pile-up 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.

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. More importantly, however, 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 best 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.

Example 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 become quickly complex, so you should call a knowledgeable Michigan car accident attorney to sort out fault.

What Causes Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents in Michigan?

Multi-vehicle pile-ups 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, leading to 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 will not stop in time.

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 best that you follow the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future claim for compensation for the accident.

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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

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% responsible for an accident in which you suffered $100,000 worth of damages, you’d only be able to get $70,000 in compensation.

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.

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 in Washtenaw County
  • $4.15 million settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.
• $3.45 Million Settlement in Genesee County
  • $3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line, causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4-year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.
• $1.74 Million Settlement Awarded in Calhoun County Collision
  • $1.74 million settlement against a 19-year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately before a head-on collision that killed a 52-year-old husband and father of three children.
•  $1.3 Million Settlement in Monroe County
  • $1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; her eight-year-old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen.

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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.
• Guide To Filing Deadlines for Car Accident Lawsuits in Michigan: In Michigan car accidents, specific deadlines must be met for reporting accidents to the police and the insurance company. Michigan also carries a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Learn more about these deadlines.

A Car Accident Lawsuit Can Take Years to Settle. We’ll Take Care of You in the Meantime

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.