The abundance of factors that are typically involved in multi-car accidents can make it tough to figure out who’s financially responsible. In Illinois personal injury cases, determining who is liable for a multi-car accident is critical. If you’re found to be partially at fault, it can cut into your compensation, or block it altogether. If multiple parties contributed to the crash and insurance coverages are high, your recovery could be substantial.
At Lloyd Miller Law in Chicago, our 75 years of collective legal experience allow us to untangle even the most complex multi-car accident claims. We know how to investigate layered crash scenes, pinpoint liability across multiple parties, and hold negligent drivers—and their insurance companies—accountable. Whether your case involves a chain-reaction pileup, a disputed police report, or multiple insurers pointing fingers, our team builds strong, evidence-backed claims that position you for maximum compensation.
When so much is on the line, we make sure the blame—and the bill—lands where it belongs. Call us today for a free consultation. 773-838-8100.
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What You Should Know About Multi-Car Accidents
A multi-car accident, often called a “chain reaction accident”, occurs when more than one car, truck, or motorcycle is involved in a collision. Whether it involves three, four, or more vehicles, it is still considered a multiple-car accident.
Technically, any crash involving two vehicles is a multi-vehicle accident, but in the insurance industry, this term usually refers to a collision that involves three or more vehicles.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Accidents
Most common on highways, at intersections, and in stop-and-go traffic, there are various ways in which multi-car accidents can occur.
- Chain reaction accidents involve multiple vehicles colliding in a pile-up or series of collisions, typically occurring on busy highways or during rush hour traffic.
- Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide with each other, causing catastrophic damage due to the combined force of the vehicles involved. These crashes can result in the vehicles ending up in multiple lanes of traffic, increasing the risk of involvement of other cars in the accident.
- Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of a second vehicle, often happening at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield or runs a red light. These accidents can easily lead to multi-vehicle crashes if there are multiple vehicles navigating the intersection.
- Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle collides with the back of the vehicle in front of it, frequently resulting in multi-car pileups in heavy traffic.
Who’s At Fault in Multi-Car Accidents?
Illinois is an at-fault state for motor vehicle crashes. Fault in car accidents, including those involving multiple vehicles, is based on negligence, or who broke the rules of the road. It’s common for multiple drivers to play a role in car accidents involving three or more vehicles. When that happens, liability is divided among the parties involved under Illinois’ modified comparative fault rule.
The Modified Comparative Fault System in Illinois
Under this system, each driver’s percentage of fault is determined based on the evidence. If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault, you may still recover compensation—but your payout will be reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you won’t be entitled to any compensation.
Determining Liability in a Car Accident
Determining fault in multi-car collisions often requires detailed crash scene analysis, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and expert input from accident reconstruction specialists. Certain situations, such as determining who is liable for a hit-and-run accident, can be especially challenging. Insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce their financial liability, so it’s critical to have an experienced attorney who can fight back with solid evidence and strategic advocacy.
In a multi-vehicle accident, there are various factors your multi-car accident lawyer in Chicago will use when determining liability.
Evidence From the Scene of the Accident
Evidence found at the scene of an accident can be vital in determining liability because it helps answer the question of what caused the crash. Critical evidence at the crash scene—like skid marks or vehicle positions—can disappear quickly, so it’s important to document it as soon as possible.
Taking photographs of the accident scene can capture important details such as car positions, skid marks, and weather conditions. This information can indicate if the driver was driving too fast for the conditions.
When taking pictures, include nearby traffic lights and stop signs. Photographs can help show the setting of the accident and traffic conditions at the time, especially if it occurred at an intersection or parking lot.
Car damage is another major factor in determining fault, which may be assessed by the police and insurance company. If a driver rear-ends another car, it would be easier to prove that the driver behind is at fault. Therefore, it’s essential to take pictures and videos of damaged vehicles following an accident, as it may be challenging to document the other driver’s car after you have left the accident scene.
Eyewitness Testimonies and Police Reports
Getting police reports and eyewitness accounts from those who saw the accident can be beneficial in understanding how the accident happened. These accounts can help establish the order of events, the actions of each driver, and the circumstances leading up to the collision. They also record information related to road conditions, weather, and traffic violations. Witness testimonies can serve as independent evidence that can support the claims of those involved in the accident.
Traffic Rules and Laws
Traffic laws are in place to ensure the safe and smooth flow of vehicles on the road. When determining who is responsible for an accident, the adherence to or violation of these laws plays a significant role. If drivers disregard traffic regulations such as running a red light, failing to yield the right-of-way, engaging in any type of distracted driving, or breaking any other traffic laws, their actions can directly contribute to the accident and establish their liability.
Need Help Determining Who Is Liable for a Multi-Car Accident?
Our Illinois car accident attorneys at Lloyd Miller Law have earned a reputation for uncovering details that might otherwise be overlooked in crash investigations. When you hire our team, we may work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to make sure that fault for your accident is placed where it belongs. Call us today at 773-838-8100. Consults are free.
