Proving liability for a car accident can be complicated enough when only two drivers are involved, but adding more vehicles into the mix makes the situation even more confusing. Not only are more people likely to suffer injuries, but multiple drivers may share some portion of the blame, making it difficult to determine who should be held responsible. While each situation is unique, below are a few general guidelines for how fault is assigned in multi-vehicle accidents.

Who Is Responsible for Accidents With Multiple Vehicles?

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents are unpredictable, so any situation that could lead to a collision may result in a multi-vehicle crash. For instance, a distracted driver may plow into the back of another vehicle stopped at a light, forcing that car to rear-end the driver in front of it. Or a speeding driver may clip another vehicle, causing that person to lose control and crash into someone else. Many conditions can contribute to multi-vehicle crashes, including inclement weather, drowsy drivers, and those who may be under the influence.

Responsibility for Multi-Car Accidents

Generally, drivers who aren’t following the rules of the road are responsible for any damages they cause, no matter how many vehicles are involved. Someone who rear-ends another car and sets off a chain reaction of collisions will likely be liable for the entire accident.

When Multiple Drivers Are at Fault

Multi-vehicle car accidents are almost always complicated, especially when several drivers may have contributed to the crash. For instance, one driver may have run a red light and hit another who was texting, whose vehicle crashed into another car in the opposite lane.

In these cases, Texas and many other states allow victims to file injury claims against both negligent drivers, increasing the chances of receiving fair compensation. Because identifying all liable parties can be so complex, it’s essential to hire a law firm with extensive experience and investigative resources.

With offices in Sugar Land, Katy, and Richmond, TX, the attorneys at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. help accident victims throughout Harris and Fort Bend counties achieve justice. Whether your car accident involved one other driver or multiple vehicles, you can rely on this team to identify the liable parties and ensure they’re held responsible. Visit their website to learn how they can help after a car accident, or call (281) 491-5000 to consult with an accomplished injury attorney.