Car accidents that involve two vehicles are often straightforward because fault or liability is clear. But, when an accident involves more than two vehicles, the accident claim is usually more complicated. It can be hard to determine how the crash took place and must be held accountable for the damages. An experienced idaho car accident attorney can help victims during this difficult and confusing time. They can investigate the case to determine the at-fault parties and communicate with insurance providers for victims.
Common Types of Car Accidents that Involve Multiple Parties
Accidents such as rear-end accidents, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, interstate collisions, pile-up accidents, and chain reaction accidents often involve several parties. They often occur because drivers operate their vehicles at high speeds, which reduces their time to stop when a hazard is noticed. When two cars collide because of speeding, other drivers may not also have the time to stop to avoid the collision.
In addition, multiple-vehicle accidents can also happen when vehicles follow too closely. This usually happens during rush hour when traffic is congested. Without sufficient space between vehicles, a driver may run into the back of the car in front of them. Other factors that can contribute to multiple-car accidents include bad weather conditions and construction zones. In a lot of these accidents, a driver’s negligence or carelessness is the reason they occur.
Determining Fault
Usually, it is hard to prove fault in accidents that involve several vehicles due to the factors that must be considered. A car accident attorney and the insurance companies involve may take into account whether a driver violated traffic laws when the accident occurred, whether a driver received tickets, the accident’s location, which parts of the vehicles involved were damaged, the road and weather conditions, electronic data, the accident report’s details, and others.
In rear-end collisions, the person who drives the car in the back is usually the one at fault because of their failure to leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. In left-tune accidents, the driver who turned is usually at fault because they violated right-of-way.
Comparative Negligence Law in Idaho
Idaho embraces the comparative negligence doctrine, which may impact a victim’s claim if several vehicles were involved in the accident. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence law, an injured victim can only recover compensation if their percentage of fault is less than 50%. However, their reward will be reduced by the percentage of their negligence.
