Chain Reaction Accidents
Generally, when only two vehicles are involved in an accident, the police can easily decide which driver was at fault and by how much. Unfortunately, when an accident causes a chain reaction, assigning responsibility becomes complex and difficult. If you’ve been involved in a accident that included more than two vehicles you will need a lawyer to help you define your percentage of fault.
If the police report isn’t clear about exactly who is at fault, the insurance companies involved will the ones deciding who pays for which damages. And with the insurance companies, you won’t have much of a voice about who is at fault. Insurance companies are supposed to be unbiased, but they aren’t always free from leaning towards the driver with the most ability to pay. Plus, insurance company employees are busy and over-worked and they might not be willing to listen to the details of your side of the story.
Anyone — regardless of fault — who has been in a multi-car accident needs a lawyer. Police reports, insurance claims, insurance contracts, and the assignment of blame are not for the inexperienced. The issues are complicated. If you don’t have a lawyer, you could end up taking more than your fair share of the blame.
