Who Is at Fault in a Chain Reaction Car Accident?

 Posted on June 29, 2024 in Car accidents

Chain reaction car accidents typically involve three or more cars and both the causes and the ensuing insurance claims can be complicated. While the consequences of chain reaction car accidents can be on the mild side and involve a simple series of rear-end accidents, they can also lead to serious pile-up car accidents with multiple parties involved.

Due to the complex nature of chain reaction car accidents, it can be difficult to assign fault. However, this should not stop you from contacting an Illinois car accident attorney and pursuing a claim if you or a loved one have been injured after a chain reaction car accident.

Understanding Chain Reaction Car Accidents

Chain reaction car accidents can happen in a number of different ways. Common situations that may lead to a chain reaction car accident include:

• One car attempts to merge into a lane on the highway, clipping another vehicle and sending that car into the lane of a third vehicle, causing a collision

• One vehicle is rear-ended and pushed into traffic, where the impacted vehicle hits another car or is hit by a different vehicle

• One vehicle brakes without warning, causing the vehicle behind them to rear-end them, and leading to additional rear-end accidents before traffic can stop

Assigning Fault After a Chain Reaction Car Accident

Determining fault in a chain reaction car accident can be difficult, as multiple parties are often at fault, and other factors may be present, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or speeding. Generally, police officers at the scene of the accident will work to determine fault. Most of the time, the person who caused the initial impact will be the person primarily at fault.

As you pursue a claim for compensation after a chain reaction car accident, your attorney will review the circumstances of the accident, in addition to any evidence like photos, videos, and witness statements, to build a strong case against the responsible parties.

Additionally, Illinois utilizes comparative negligence to determine fault in car accidents, which means that even if more than one party is at fault for the accident, you can still pursue a claim as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. This is especially important in chain reaction crashes, as more than one car may be at fault for the collisions.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, these crashes can result in serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and even wrongful death.

Contact a Park Ridge, IL Car Accident Attorney

You should contact a knowledgeable Des Plaines, IL car accident lawyer as soon as possible after being injured in a pileup car accident, as the sooner you start to pursue a claim, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Attorney Patrick Quinn is highly experienced with car accident cases, and he provides dedicated and compassionate representation to every client. Call Quinn Law Group, LLC at 847-232-7180 for a free consultation.