Multi-vehicle pile-up accidents can be chaotic and leave investigators struggling to piece together what triggered the event. After these massive collisions, you may find yourself up against multiple drivers and insurance companies all competing for resolution. If you were involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Texas, a McAllen car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex web of liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Multi-vehicle accidents are often the result of one driver’s dangerous behavior that creates a chain reaction affecting everyone nearby. The most frequent causes include:
- Excessive speeding
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor weather conditions combined with a failure to slow down or adjust driving
- Mechanical failures, such as brake problems and tire blowouts
How Fault Is Determined After a Multi-Vehicle Crash
When a multi-vehicle accident happens in Texas, those affected can face significant trauma and hardship. The law allows the victims to pursue insurance claims or lawsuits against the person who caused the accident. Unlike simple two-car collisions, pile-ups involve multiple potential defendants, which can complicate liability.
The key is to identify whose actions initiated the crash. For example, say that a drunk driver rear-ends the lead vehicle, causing a five-car chain reaction. The intoxicated driver would bear primary responsibility for all resulting damages. Similarly, if a trucking company’s driver falls asleep at the wheel and jackknifes across multiple lanes, both the driver and the company could face liability.
Texas’s Comparative Negligence Laws and How They Affect Your Case
Sometimes, multi-vehicle accidents involve shared responsibility among multiple parties, including yourself. In these situations, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, which can impact your financial recovery. Under this system, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your percentage of responsibility does not exceed 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Say that you are found 20% responsible for following too closely, but another driver caused the initial crash by texting while driving. You can still recover 80% of your damages from the other parties. However, if your fault percentage reaches 51% or higher, you recover nothing.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Multi-Vehicle Pile Up
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, stay calm and seek help. First, call 911 to report the accident. Seek medical attention for your injuries. Document everything: take photos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from all drivers and witnesses.
When speaking with the other parties, avoid admitting fault or discussing details about what happened. Contact a Texas car accident lawyer to discuss your case and handle all communication with insurance providers and potential defendants.
Contact De La Garza Law Firm for a Free Case Consultation
After a multi-vehicle pile-up, figuring out who pays becomes a puzzle with many insurance companies, conflicting stories, and pointing fingers. The more vehicles that crash, the harder it becomes to get fair compensation, which is why you need legal representation.
De La Garza Law Firm handles multi-vehicle accidents regularly. Our McAllen personal injury attorneys work with accident reconstruction specialists, coordinate with multiple insurance companies, and make sure every liable party pays for your injuries. Contact us at (956) 201-8453 now and let us sort through the chaos to secure what you’re owed.
