Getting involved in a multiple-vehicle accident can be a chaotic and confusing experience. You may not know who is to blame and how to protect your legal rights as you begin the insurance claims process. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney in Las Vegas can make it easier to navigate the legal process and achieve the case results that you deserve.
What Is a Multiple Vehicle Accident?
A multiple-vehicle accident is a motor vehicle collision that involves at least three vehicles. It can refer to a multi-car pileup or a situation such as a chain reaction crash, where the force of one collision propels one of the cars into a third vehicle, and so on. Multi-vehicle crashes typically lead to more complex insurance claims as they involve three or more drivers.
Common Causes of Multiple Vehicle Accidents in Las Vegas
Multiple vehicle accidents can occur when one or more than one vehicle driver is negligent or fails to act with reasonable care. A single driver could cause a multi-vehicle accident, or multiple drivers could share fault for the crash.
Common causes of multiple vehicle accidents in Las Vegas include:
- High-speed rear-end collisions
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding or racing
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving or falling asleep behind the wheel
- Making sudden or unsafe lane changes
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving the wrong way on a road or highway
- Road hazards or poor weather conditions
Understanding the cause of a multi-vehicle collision is the first step in seeking financial compensation for your losses as a victim.
How Is Fault Determined for a Multiple Vehicle Accident in Las Vegas?
Determining fault and liability, or financial responsibility, for a multiple vehicle accident in Las Vegas can be difficult. The question of liability can be complicated when the case involves three or more motor vehicle drivers. It may also involve third parties, such as the municipal government for a road defect such as a pothole.
Liability is typically determined after a thorough investigation into the cause and mechanics of the crash. An investigation will be performed by law enforcement and insurance companies to determine which driver was in violation of a traffic law at the time of the multi-vehicle accident. Fault will typically go to this driver.
In many multi-vehicle accident cases, a percentage of fault is allocated to more than one driver or party. In this situation, crash victims could receive financial awards that are reduced by their percentage of fault under Nevada’s comparative negligence law. If you are found to be 10 percent at fault, for example, a $50,000 settlement would be reduced by 10 percent ($5,000) to $45,000.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Multiple Vehicle Accident in Las Vegas
If you are being blamed for a multi-vehicle accident or finding it difficult to receive the financial compensation you need from an insurance company, consult with an attorney in Las Vegas about your options.
A car accident lawyer will work for you and no one else. Your lawyer can investigate the crash, determine fault, and collect evidence against one or more parties to help prove your claim. Meanwhile, you can focus on what matters most: healing and recovering.
To schedule a free multiple vehicle accident case review in Las Vegas, contact Edward Bernstein and Associates at (702) 508-7334.