Accidents involving multiple vehicles, often referred to as “pile-ups,” are among the most complex types of car crashes. These incidents often involve several drivers, conflicting accounts, and overlapping insurance claims, making it challenging to determine fault and seek proper compensation. For residents of North Texas navigating such situations, The Law Office of David M. Kennedy in Sherman offers extensive experience in personal injury cases, ensuring your rights are protected while holding negligent parties accountable.

Understanding the Complexity of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), car crashes in Texas in 2022 resulted in 4,489 fatalities, with a significant number involving more than two vehicles. Multi-vehicle accidents are particularly common on busy highways such as I-35 and U.S. Route 75, where high speeds and dense traffic create the perfect conditions for chain-reaction collisions.

The primary challenge in these accidents lies in determining fault. Was the initial impact caused by driver distraction or speeding? Did poor weather or road conditions contribute? These factors complicate the legal process, often leading to disputes between insurance companies and drivers.

Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles and Determining Fault

In Texas, determining fault relies on evidence and the state’s “modified comparative fault” system. Under this rule, you can recover damages if you are found to be less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are deemed 30% at fault for a pile-up and incur $100,000 in damages, you can recover $70,000. This system incentivizes accurate fault determination, as higher percentages of fault can drastically reduce a claimant’s compensation or eliminate eligibility altogether.

Proving Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Accident

To prove liability in a multi-vehicle accident, evidence is critical. The following elements often come into play:

1. Police Reports: Officers responding to the scene document their observations and assign preliminary fault. While these reports are not definitive, they can significantly influence insurance claims and lawsuits, as well as jurors as police officers are often the first unbiased witness.
2. Witness Testimony: Statements from drivers, passengers, and bystanders can corroborate your version of events or provide additional perspectives on how the accident unfolded.
3. Accident Reconstruction: In more severe cases, experts may analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events. Further, most new vehicles will have a device that records driving activity in the moments preceding the accident and it can be accessed and analyzed by experts.
4. Dashcam or Surveillance Footage: Increasingly, video evidence from dashcams or nearby businesses plays a pivotal role in identifying responsible parties.

Mr. Kennedy and his team leverage these forms of evidence to build a compelling case, ensuring that liability in accidents involving multiple vehicles is assigned accurately and fairly.

Filing Claims After a Multi-Vehicle Accident

Filing claims in a multi-vehicle accident often involves navigating disputes among several insurance companies. Each insurer aims to minimize its liability, potentially leaving you under-compensated if you do not have strong legal representation.

In Texas, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. However, these limits may be insufficient in multi-vehicle collisions involving severe injuries or fatalities.

Here’s how Mr. Kennedy can assist you:

• Evaluating Claims: He will analyze your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering to ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.
• Negotiating with Insurers: With years of experience dealing with insurance companies, Mr. Kennedy knows how to counter lowball settlement offers effectively.
• Litigating When Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Mr. Kennedy is prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Victims of multi-vehicle accidents often face pressure to quickly accept settlement offers or admit fault. Both can undermine your case. Always consult a qualified personal injury attorney BEFORE making any statements to insurers.

Additionally, remember that Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Delaying action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Why Choose The Law Office of David M. Kennedy

When navigating the legal complexities of a multi-vehicle accident, you need a seasoned advocate by your side. Based in Sherman/Denison, Mr. Kennedy has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for accident victims across North Texas. His personalized approach ensures that every client receives the attention and dedication they deserve.

Just recently, Mr. Kennedy was unable to take a case due to the two-year statute of limitations having expired with no lawsuit being filed. The insurance company continued to negotiate with the potential client, knowing full well that the delay would end all hope of recovery as the insurance company had no obligation to advise this accident victim that the delay would cause them to lose all compensation. So, do not fall victim a second time, and timely contact the Law Office of David M. Kennedy.

Conclusion

If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact The Law Office of David M. Kennedy today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of multi-vehicle car accidents.