Multi-vehicle accidents can be even more expensive than a traditional car accident that involves just two drivers. If you were injured in a multi-vehicle accident, there are a few unique things to consider when pursuing compensation.
What Is A Multi-Vehicle Accident?
A multi-vehicle accident is any accident that involves more than two vehicles. Multi-vehicle accidents most commonly occur when visibility is low or when drivers are distracted and don’t recognize that a car crash has already occurred. Multiple factors are usually at play in multi-vehicle accidents.
Common Damages In A Multi-Vehicle Accident
The following damages are commonly a part of multi-vehicle accidents:
- Multiple vehicle damages: Vehicle repairs can be expensive. Some vehicles may even be totaled out following an accident. When more than two vehicles are involved in an accident, the cost of vehicle repairs increases.
- Personal injury costs: Some drivers and passengers may need medical care following an accident. With more people involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you can expect there to be a higher value of medical costs.
- Pain and suffering: Being in a multi-vehicle accident can be overwhelming. Imagine being rear-ended by another driver, only to then be slammed into by a third or fourth driver while surveying the damages. This can lead to more pain and suffering damages.
- Other damages: Some drivers may incur additional damages as a result of being in a multi-vehicle accident, including therapy needs or even punitive damages.
The specific damages that are a part of a multi-vehicle accident will depend on the accident and drivers. Some drivers may also incur damages from multiple drivers, whereas the last driver to crash may not incur any additional damages at the fault of the other drivers.
Read more: Understanding NJ’s No-Fault Car Accident Laws
Who’s At Fault When A Multi-Vehicle Accident Occurs?
It’s never easy to determine who’s at fault in a car accident. However, adding more than two vehicles into the equation can be even more difficult. For one, it’s possible for multiple drivers to be at fault, especially in a multi-vehicle car accident.
For example, one driver may be texting and driving, which leads to them rear-ending the driver in front of them while stopped at a stop sign. The driver behind them may not be able to come to a complete stop fast enough because they failed to repair their brakes month after month. In this case, both driver #2 and driver #3 may be at fault.
Usually, in a multi-vehicle accident, the court assigns a percentage of fault to each driver. Since New Jersey is a comparative negligence state, drivers can still seek compensation from another at-fault driver, as long as that driver is less responsible than they were.
Calculating percentages and damages in a multi-vehicle car accident requires an in-depth investigation and consideration of all factors. Working with a personal injury lawyer may be a good idea if you were in a multi-vehicle car accident.
You need someone on your side, fighting for your rights. It’s easy to get lost in the procedures and details of a car accident when there are multiple drivers and insurance companies involved in the process. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive any damages you’re entitled to receive.
Read more: Why It’s Important To Get Medical Help After A Fender Bender
Contact A Little Falls Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Multi-Vehicle Accident Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a multi-vehicle accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA, represent clients injured because of a personal injury in Little Falls, Cedar Grove, New Brunswick, Newark, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1 Lower Notch Rd, Little Falls, NJ 07424.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
