Identifying who is responsible in a multi-car accident is crucial for recovering the full compensation you need. In accidents involving more than two vehicles, there are often several at-fault parties you will need to file auto insurance claims against and several victims vying for their fair share of the compensation.
However, these multiple vehicle accident cases are highly complex, so you must work with an experienced pile-up accident attorney. Identifying all the at-fault parties and gathering the necessary evidence to hold them financially liable requires time and an understanding of the Washington legal system.
What Is a Multi-Car Accident?
A multi-car accident is a collision involving three or more vehicles. Often, these accidents happen when an initial collision between two cars causes a chain reaction. However, the initial impact can also involve several vehicles, particularly if a large truck is one of them.
One of the most common examples of a multi-car accident is a rear-end collision that triggers a chain reaction. This occurs when one vehicle rear-ends another that’s stopped at an intersection, pushing the stopped vehicle into the back of the vehicle ahead of it.
Another common example is a pile-up accident, where additional drivers arriving on the scene don’t have time to react and collide with the already-crashing cars.
How Fault Is Determined in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, fault is determined by gathering various types of evidence and using it to assign percentages to each party involved in the accident. This system is known as comparative negligence, and it holds each party liable for the percentage of the injuries and damage they caused.
Some of the key evidence used to determine fault in multi-vehicle crashes includes:
- Accident scene photographs
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Vehicle computer recordings
Common Scenarios and Who May Be at Fault
Understanding common multi-vehicle accident scenarios is important for identifying the at-fault parties.
In a pile-up accident, the driver who caused the initial crash will likely be at fault. However, additional drivers who arrive on the scene at high speeds could also be at fault for the further injuries and damage their dangerous driving caused.
In a rear-end collision, the driver who crashed into the back of a stopped or slowed vehicle may be at fault. However, an investigation into the incident may reveal that the collision occurred because the driver was attempting to avoid a third vehicle that pulled out of a driveway or side street in front of them. In that case, this other driver may also share fault.
Whose Insurance Pays in a Multi-Car Accident?
Knowing whose insurance pays in a multi-car accident is crucial for recovering compensation for your various losses. Since Wisconsin is an at-fault auto insurance state, the at-fault drivers’ liability coverage portion of their insurance policies will generally cover your expenses.
Wisconsin requires all drivers to have the following minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of multiple people
- $10,000 per accident for property damage
Because there will likely be multiple victims seeking compensation, it’s essential that you identify each at-fault party and file an insurance claim against their policy. This will help prevent any individual policy limit from restricting your total compensation.
What to Do After a Multi-Car Accident in Wisconsin
After a multi-vehicle accident in Wisconsin, take the following steps to protect your right to seek compensation and strengthen your case:
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Follow up with all medical treatment until you fully recover
- Keep track of medical expenses and service bills related to the accident
- Write down your daily pain levels and how your injuries impact your life in a pain journal
- Avoid providing statements to insurance companies without your Wisconsin car accident lawyer present
- Consult an experienced and knowledgeable multi-car accident lawyer
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Multi-Car Crash?
It is helpful to have a lawyer to handle a multi-car accident in Wisconsin. Multi-car accident cases are more complex than most two-vehicle car accidents, simply due to the number of parties involved. Without legal representation, it’s challenging to navigate the complexities of these claims. Your lawyer can manage your case from start to finish, which includes gathering evidence and negotiating with the at-fault parties’ insurance companies.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the other parties will have lawyers, so not having a lawyer of your own will put you at an immediate disadvantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve answered some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions about multi-car accidents in Wisconsin. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a Wisconsin car accident attorney for answers to your own questions.
Who determines fault in a multi-car accident in Wisconsin?
Fault is determined by lawyers, insurance companies, or a jury, depending on the situation. In most cases, the lawyers and insurance companies of the various parties involved will each come to their own determinations regarding fault and then negotiate settlements. A jury will ultimately decide on fault and liability if litigation becomes necessary.
What if I was partly at fault in a multi-vehicle accident?
If you were partly at fault in a multi-vehicle accident, you can still recover compensation for your injuries and property damage, as long as you were less than 51 percent at fault. However, the compensation you could receive through a trial award will be reduced by your degree of fault, and insurance companies may offer you a lower settlement based on your fault.
Can more than one driver be held responsible?
In a multi-vehicle accident, more than one driver can be held responsible. For example, a distracted driver may run a red light and collide with a speeding driver who couldn’t stop in time, causing both vehicles to strike other cars in and around the intersection. In this case, the distracted driver would be primarily at fault, but the speeding driver may also share some fault because their actions prevented them from avoiding the collision.
Contact a Wisconsin Multi-Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were in a Wisconsin multi-car accident, contact Schwaba Law Firm for a free consultation about your case with one of our knowledgeable car crash attorneys. We’ll review the accident details to identify the at-fault parties and explain the steps our team will take to help you seek the compensation you need from them.
