California Auto Accidents Involving Multiple Cars

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death ^[1] and injury in the United States and that more than 33,000 people died in car crashes in 2013. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute provides that in 2013 there were 1,193 traffic fatalities caused by multiple vehicle accidents like freeway “pile-ups” and any motor vehicle collision involving many vehicles.

When two or more cars are involved in an accident, one of the issues to consider is which driver or drivers are responsible for the damage to property and to people. This issue can be very complicated for many reasons including some or all of the following which may apply to your case:

1. Different insurance companies: With several cars involved, there may be three or more insurance companies. One common tactic used by auto insurance carriers to reduce their exposure in motor vehicle collisions involving 3 or more cars is to argue “comparative fault” of all drivers other than their own insured.
2. Witnesses: Each vehicle may contain one or more passengers. Some or all of these people may act as witnesses. It is important to secure statements from these witnesses at an early stage in order to “preserve the evidence” and while the facts of the incident are fresh in their minds.
3. Uninsured driver: As with any two car collision, there may be an uninsured driver that complicates the case even more. This may require asserting an uninsured motorist claim with your own auto liability insurance company.

California is what is known as a "comparative negligence jurisdiction." This means that, in the state of California, every driver who contributes in any way to causing a multi-vehicle traffic collision can be held legally responsible for payment of damages including present and future medical expenses, lost wages, as well as damages for physical pain and mental suffering related to the injuries sustained.

Because the facts of each case are very different, it is important to speak to a Los Angeles multiple car collision attorney to determine who is responsible for damages under California law. Automobile collision victims, both drivers and passengers, are often entitled to financial compensation under California law making it necessary to speak to the Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, APC for a free initial consultation today. Our attorneys at the Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, APC, have represented victims of vehicle accidents all over the state of California and we never charge a fee unless and until money is recovered on behalf of the victim.

• [1] CDC - Key Injury and Violence Data
• [2] IIHS-HLDI - General statistics state by state