How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Prove Fault in a Multiple-Vehicle Crash

A common occurrence on New Jersey roads in the winter, multi-vehicle crashes can result in serious injuries and fatalities. At Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC, our personal injury attorneys in New Jersey have recovered seven- and eight-figure settlements and verdicts for victims of all types of car accidents. Here, we discuss how we prove fault in multiple-vehicle accident cases to help you better understand what’s involved in achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.

Determining Who is at Fault Can Be Challenging

When multiple vehicles are involved in a crash, determining who is at fault can be a complex process. Unlike collisions involving two vehicles, multiple-vehicle crashes usually involve several drivers, insurance companies, and witnesses. Each party may have a different recollection of how an accident happened, making it difficult to identify who is at fault.

Insurance companies may send investigators to the scene of a multi-vehicle accident shortly after it happens, and, unfortunately, they look for evidence that absolves their insured clients of liability. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and conduct an independent investigation to determine who is at fault.

Causes of Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

Many factors can result in multiple-vehicle accidents, including:

• Speeding and reckless driving – Driving at an excessive speed, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and aggressive driving can increase the likelihood and severity of a crash.
• Tailgating – Following too closely behind other vehicles is often the cause of multi-vehicle crashes.
• Distracted driving – Texting, talking to passengers in the car, and other distractions can easily lead to rear-end, chain-reaction crashes.
• Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs can slow reaction times and impair visual perception and judgment and can cause serious accidents.
• Inclement weather – Rain, snow, ice, and fog can make roads slippery and decrease visibility.
• Road conditions – Uneven pavement, potholes, and construction zones can also cause sudden stops and multiple collisions.

Proving Negligence and Liability

A key element in proving fault in a multiple-vehicle crash fault is establishing negligence. In multiple-vehicle crashes, more than one party may be at fault, which can complicate a personal injury claim even more. New Jersey personal injury law applies the rule of comparative negligence, which means the person seeking damages must be less at fault than the person who caused the accident. When more than one driver is involved, liability can be a very murky issue.

Although proving fault in multiple-vehicle crashes can be fraught with obstacles, our experienced personal injury team, led by Paul M. da Costa, knows how to address these challenges and overcome them. We gather relevant evidence and put it all together to strategize and create compelling arguments that demonstrate who is at fault.

Collecting Evidence

After a multi-vehicle crash, your personal injury attorney will gather evidence. Our team collects evidence such as:

Police Reports

A police report often contains vital information about how an accident occurred, including statements from those involved in the crash and witnesses. Reported traffic violations and officers’ observations can also provide valuable information when determining who is at fault.

Photos and Video Footage

Pictures of damage to vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions can provide crucial insight into the cause of a crash. Traffic camera, dashcam, and surveillance footage can also offer solid visual evidence of what happened.

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness accounts of what occurred can provide an unbiased perspective and may corroborate the testimony of other witnesses. Establishing a consistent narrative can be a powerful tool to prove liability.

Vehicle Damage Analysis

The extent and location of damage to vehicles can help your personal injury attorney put the pieces of the puzzle together to determine the sequence of events and which driver’s actions led to the accident.

Event Data Recorder (EDR) Information

Much like the “black box” found in airplanes and commercial trucks, many modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs). These can reveal how fast a car was going and how quickly it changed speed, braking and steering information, engine data, acceleration rates, and can even show how the car rotated or moved on the road.

Consulting Accident Reconstructionists and Other Experts

Accident reconstructionists specialize in determining the likely chain of events before a crash. They rely on engineering principles, physics, computer simulations, EDR data, and other information to recreate an accident, which can prove who is at fault. In addition, automotive engineers, road safety experts, and medical professionals may provide testimony to establish how a crash occurred and who was responsible.

Our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here for You

Our personal injury lawyers know the fallout of an auto accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple insurance claims. Coordinating with insurers can be time-consuming and frustrating, particularly when they dispute liability or offer minimal payouts that may not even cover your medical bills.

We handle all aspects of your case, including negotiating with insurers. If a reasonable personal injury settlement can’t be reached, Paul and our team of certified civil trial attorneys will take your case to court. We have an established record of success in recovering the compensation and justice our clients deserve and have cultivated a solid reputation in the New Jersey legal community. We’re dedicated to helping you and your family get back on your feet and move on after a car accident injury. If you’ve lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle crash, we can determine whether a wrongful death claim may be appropriate in your case. We also offer legal services in Portuguese and Spanish.

Our personal injury law firm offers free, no-obligation case evaluations, and works on a contingency fee basis, which means attorneys’ fees are paid as a percentage of any personal injury settlement or verdict you receive if we win your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in New Jersey

If you’ve been hurt in a multi-vehicle crash and don’t know where to turn, Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC can help. To learn more, contact us or call 973-274-5200 to schedule a free consultation with top accident and personal injury lawyers in New Jersey today.