Who’s responsible in a pileup crash?

A pileup crash is rarely one person’s fault. More often, drivers make mistakes trying to avoid a collision and end up adding to the crash. This means that multiple drivers could be held liable for the crash that caused your injuries.

If you were in a pileup crash, you need the help of Macon car accident lawyer Mike Rafi. He’ll ensure that your rights are protected and will use his experience to help you obtain maximum compensation. 

Call Mike at (478) 216-1664 or contact him online for a free consultation. 

Determining fault in a multi-vehicle accident

A detailed investigation by the police is one of the best ways to determine fault in a multi-vehicle accident. It’s possible that multiple people might be found to be at fault, all with varying degrees or percentages of fault.

In order to establish fault, your attorney will need to determine the negligent party (or parties). Stating that a driver was “negligent” means that they failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. For instance, excessive speeding in a marked construction zone is a failure of using reasonable care. Let’s take a look at some other common negligent actions in pileups:

• Distracted driving – Texting is the most well-known, but distracted driving also includes applying makeup, eating or drinking, and turning to talk to someone in the car.
• Reckless driving – A person engages in reckless driving when they willingly make dangerous maneuvers in certain conditions. For example, speeding (or even driving the speed limit) on icy roads could be considered reckless, as a reasonable driver would slow down.
• Disobeying traffic laws – Running a red light, speeding, failing to yield, and making illegal U-turns are all common examples of disobeying traffic laws.
• Driving under the influence – Driving under the influence is not limited to alcohol. A host of illegal narcotics (and even legal prescriptions) can lead to DUI.

Your attorney will work with law enforcement to determine the party or parties responsible for the crash. It’s important to note that driver negligence, such as reckless or distracted driving, is usually to blame in pileup crashes, but that’s not always the case.

There are times when the weather is so bad that multiple vehicles collide with each other. Ice storms are among the most notorious culprits, but thick fog and rain can also be a factor in causing pileup crashes.

Role of insurance in pileup crashes

Georgia motorists are required to carry liability insurance coverage of at least $25,000 per person, as well as $50,000 per accident. When multiple drivers are involved in a pileup crash, they may be able to obtain compensation through multiple policies because more than one person may be liable (at fault).

Because this is such a complicated type of accident, the multiple insurance companies involved often won’t cooperate or they’ll point fingers at each other in an attempt to deflect blame from their own policyholders.  

Having an attorney investigate on your behalf helps cut through the chaos, show everyone exactly how the accident took place, and finally, who’s liable for damages.

How settlements and compensation work in a pileup crash

Georgia law follows the principle of modified comparative negligence. In a nutshell, this means that if you’re found to be more than 50% responsible for a crash, you won’t be able to collect damages. If you’re assigned less than 50% of fault, you may still be eligible to receive damages, but the amount you receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.  

For example, let’s say a jury finds that you’re 20% responsible for the crash. If their award is set at $100,000, your compensation will be reduced by $20,000 and you’ll receive $80,000 instead of the full $100,000.

Insurance companies aren’t required to equitably distribute money. Even though the people who are hurt the worst – through no fault of their own – should receive the most money, insurers often divide proceeds however they like. An attorney can work on your behalf to make sure your claim gets the appropriate priority so that you can get what you deserve. 

Hurt in a pileup crash? Mike Rafi can help

Macon car accident lawyer Mike Rafi is ready to provide you with the expert legal representation you deserve. Schedule a free case review by contacting Mike online or by calling him at (478) 216-1664.