When a car crash involves multiple drivers, victims may struggle to pinpoint who is liable and whether or not fault is shared between multiple drivers. We can help victims determine who is liable for multi-car pileups in Nevada so that they may seek compensation from the appropriate parties.
There is often one driver who is primarily to blame for a multi-car accident. They may be the driver who initiated the chain reaction rear-end accident or ran a stoplight and hit cars that had the right of way. Pictures, videos, and witness statements tell us who is liable, and we can start organizing this evidence right away. We can then file a claim against the liable driver or drivers and seek relief for all economic and non-economic damages.
For a free and confidential case review from our Las Vegas, NV car accident lawyers, call Mitchell Rogers Injury Law now at (702) 702-2622.
Who is Liable After a Multi-Car Pileup in Nevada?
Generally speaking, the driver who initiated a multi-car pileup is liable for any injuries or damages incurred as a result. Still, our lawyers will investigate the accident thoroughly in case any other drivers share fault.
One of the most common types of multi-vehicle accidents is a chain reaction rear-end collision. Suppose one driver rear-ends another, forcing that vehicle to strike the car in front of it, and so on. The driver who initiated the accident would be largely liable, though other drivers might share fault if they were also negligent, such as by following cars too closely or speeding.
Multi-car pileups on highways or in intersections are especially dangerous and often happen due to speeding, aggressive driving, drunk driving, and other negligent conduct. These accidents occur in an instant, and victims may be unsure which driver initiated the collision or if multiple drivers were negligent. To figure out who is liable after a multi-car pileup, seek help from our car accident lawyers right away.
What if You Share Liability for a Multi-Car Pileup?
Sharing liability for a multi-car pileup may not block you from recovering damages. That doesn’t mean you should willingly accept liability for an accident you didn’t contribute to, however, and our Boulder City, NV car accident lawyers can stop that from happening.
Nevada is a modified comparative fault state. Under NRS 41.141, a victim may sue and recover damages, provided their liability does not outweigh the defendant’s. The plaintiff’s damages will be reduced, but only based on their liability. If your contribution is very minimal, you may recover most damages you incurred.
You should not accept fault for any part of a multi-vehicle pileup at the scene. While you might feel compelled to apologize to other parties involved or question whether or not you were following the car in front of you too closely when you were rear-ended, refrain from doing so. Suppose you need to seek compensation via a lawsuit. In that case, the defendant might mention statements you made at the scene where you accepted some liability, even if you simply gave a polite apology.
What Proves Liability for a Multi-Car Pileup in Nevada?
Since multi-vehicle car accidents can be chaotic, and victims may not know who the primary at-fault party is, they can rely on our attorneys for help determining and proving liability.
Eyewitness Statements
Suppose you suffered injuries during a multi-vehicle rear-end accident, and your car was the last in the chain of vehicles to be struck. In that case, you may not have seen the driver who initiated the chain reaction. Others may have, however, and we can interview them.
We may find eyewitnesses through the police report, though you can get their contact information at the scene as well. Other drivers involved are also witnesses, and they may be able to testify about the at-fault driver’s negligence.
You’re also a witness and may testify about anything you saw or experienced during the crash.
Photos
Always photograph vehicle damage after a collision, no matter how many cars are involved. Photos showing impact points can tell us a lot, such as each vehicle’s direction of travel and speed.
Pictures of a pileup as a whole are also useful. Take pictures of the final positions of each car in relation to one another. If you struggle to take pictures because you are badly injured, you may ask first responders or other witnesses for help.
Videos
Videos are some of the strongest evidence in motor vehicle accident lawsuits, especially if several drivers are involved in a crash and fault is unclear. We can survey the accident location in case any security cameras are nearby. Getting footage from such cameras quickly is crucial, so let us look for it immediately.
Accident Reconstruction
Reconstructing an accident lets us show the jury how and why it occurred. We analyze photos, police reports, and witness statements to reconstruct collisions for juries in Nevada. Particularly complex multi-car accidents may require assistance from accident reconstruction experts, who may testify about their findings during a trial.
What Damages Can You Get from the Liable Driver After a Multi-Car Pileup?
Once we identify the driver who’s liable for your accident, we can seek compensation from them. You may recover economic and non-economic damages, both of which we can document and prove.
Damages may come from a settlement or jury award. The liable driver may want to settle quickly, especially if they injured several victims during the multi-car pileup. We won’t let them rush settlement talks and will only advise you to sign a settlement offer that favors you.
The jury may even give you punitive damages if the driver liable for the crash was under the influence or otherwise acted with fraud, oppression, or malice, according to 42.001.
Get in Touch with Our Nevada Car Accident Attorneys About Your Case
Get a free case analysis from our Winchester, NV car accident lawyers when you call Mitchell Rogers Injury Law at (702) 702-2622.