According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 42,939 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021, and this figure included multiple car accidents in the country.
Every year, millions of people suffer injuries in car accidents, and tens of thousands of them lose their lives. This is incredibly tragic, especially considering that following basic traffic laws can prevent such incidents from happening.
Injured victims in Houston, Texas, should reach out to Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their motor vehicle accident and learn more about their legal options.
A Multi-car Accident Could Be Deadly
A multi-car collision, also referred to as a chain reaction accident, could have serious repercussions for the drivers and vehicle occupants involved.
As more and more vehicles start piling up, the likelihood of severe injuries and even fatalities increases because it becomes challenging for emergency responders to reach the affected individuals and transport them to the hospital.
Common Causes of Multi-vehicle Accidents in Houston, Texas
There are several causes of multi-vehicle accidents in the United States, some of which include the following:
Changing lanes without checking blind spots for vehicles;
Driving while intoxicated;
Distracted or reckless driving;
Fatigue or drowsiness;
Poor weather conditions; and
Lack of warning signs.
Who Is Responsible for a Rear-end Accident in Houston, Texas?
Generally, the driver in the vehicle that rear-ends a car in front of them is responsible for the rear-end accident. However, that may not always be the case.
Suppose the first vehicle suddenly stops due to a negligent pedestrian and gets rear-ended by the car behind them. In that case, state law and an impartial investigation can help determine who is liable.
Without identifying the negligent party, it can be challenging to recover compensatory damages. It's best to contact experienced Houston auto accident attorneys to help investigate the incident and determine the liable parties.
Texas Follows the Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
State laws can help determine who can pursue compensatory damages by filing a personal injury claim.
Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which allows drivers to recover their losses following an accident if they're 50% or less responsible for the incident. This means that the injured party can obtain compensation, but their degree of fault will affect how much they receive.
Here is an example to help injured victims in Houston, Texas, understand how the modified comparative negligence rule works:
Griffin was driving his vehicle on the highway when he got into an accident due to a distracted driver. He suffers injuries and incurs $100,000 in damages, prompting him to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent party's insurance company. However, the investigation reveals that Griffin is 20% responsible for the incident, as he was speeding.
In the example above, Griffin can recover compensatory damages. However, he will only receive a maximum of $80,000 since he was partially liable for the accident.
If Griffin were 51% or more responsible for his injuries, the modified comparative negligence rule would prevent him from making any recoveries.
Who Is at Fault in a Multi-car Rear-end Accident?
Typically, the driver that rear-ends another vehicle is responsible for any injuries caused, as the traffic laws require them to stay alert, maintain a safe distance, and drive within the speed limit.
However, in some situations, it could be that the first car tried to avoid hitting an animal or a person, resulting in the second vehicle rear-ending them. This can turn a simple case into a nightmare, especially if there is a third car involved that rear-ends the second one.
The circumstances of the multi-car rear-end accident could help determine who is at fault. It could be the first driver who did not pay attention to the road or pedestrians, or it could be the auto manufacturer that failed to properly install and inspect the brakes before selling the vehicle.
In some cases, a government agency may be liable, especially if the accident occurred due to the lack of warning signs or poor road conditions.
Regardless of who is responsible, it is crucial for the injured victims to know that they may be able to recover the damages incurred in a multi-car rear-end accident due to the state's modified comparative negligence rules.
It's best to reach out to an experienced multi-car collision attorney to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options. They can advise on situations like, lease car accident not my fault.
How Can an Experienced Chain Reaction Car Accident Attorney Help the Injured Victims?
There are several ways Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help the injured victims after their multi-vehicle accident, some of which include the following:
Investigate the Multi-vehicle Accident
When there is an accident that involves multiple vehicles, it can turn a simple case into a complex one.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have extensive experience in determining liable parties following car crashes. They can allocate resources to investigate the accident and help gather the necessary evidence to build a trial-ready personal injury case. They can also determine who is at fault in a self driving car accident.
Pursue a Multi-car Accident Claim
After determining the at-fault party(s) in a chain reaction collision and building a strong personal injury case, it is crucial to adhere to the legal process when pursuing civil action. Failure to do so can result in a claim or lawsuit denial.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys know the Texas car accident laws and can file a multi-car accident claim against the negligent party's insurance company by following the legal process.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Multi-car accidents can have a devastating impact on the victims. They can lead to physical, mental, and financial losses, which can adversely affect their lives.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys understand the implications of a chain reaction crash on the affected party and will stop at nothing to negotiate a fair settlement.
Take the Case to Court
Suppose the negligent party fails to give a fair settlement offer for the multiple-car accident. In that case, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are not afraid to take the personal injury case to court.
Injured Victims Should Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Determining fault in a pile-up accident can be challenging, and recovering compensation for the losses is difficult, especially if the other drivers are partially responsible for the victim's injuries.
Those who have suffered injuries in a multi-vehicle accident in Houston, Texas, should immediately contact (833) 692-5038 to schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. They can help investigate the incident, identify the at-fault party(s), and pursue civil action to obtain monetary damages.Trans