Chain Reaction Crash Liability

Chain reaction crash liability refers to the determination of who is responsible when multiple vehicles are involved in an accident. Establishing liability is important after an accident, and this is especially in places like Arizona. 

Because Arizona is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for the damages. This is part of why it’s so important to hire a skilled Phoenix auto accident attorney anytime you’ve been involved in a crash.

Why Chain Reaction Crashes Are Unique

A chain reaction accident is when one collision triggers another, creating a series of collisions. It’s easy to imagine the simplest version of this: one car rear-ends another, sending that car forward to rear-end a third vehicle. Of course, it’s rarely so simple.

When you consider that establishing liability in accidents involving only two vehicles (accounting for weather, road conditions, driver behavior, and other factors), it’s easy to see that chain reaction crashes can be a mess to untangle.

Determining Fault in Chain Reaction Crashes

Though the word chain is in the title, the term web might be more accurate. Factors for determining liability in multi-vehicle crashes include:

• Drivers responsible for the initial collision
• Drivers who were distracted
• Drivers who were following too closely or going too quickly to stop in time
• Drivers who stopped suddenly
• Drivers who made sudden lane changes
• Environmental factors like weather and lighting

As you might imagine, post-accident communication tips can be invaluable when you step out of your car after a chain reaction crash.

As stated above, Arizona is an at-fault state, but it also follows pure comparative negligence law. This means that responsibility is proportional. Legally, one driver might be found to be 70% responsible for an accident, a second 20% responsible, and a third 10% responsible.

Key Factors in Determining Fault in Chain Reaction Crashes

The Importance of Evidence

In a way, all things are heightened in a chain reaction crash. Evidence is always important after accidents and it can be invaluable in complex, multi-vehicle crashes. Some key evidence might include

• Eyewitness statements
• Dashcam footage
• Skid marks and debris pattern
• Expert accident reconstruction

The importance of these pieces of evidence highlights how important it is after an accident to take photographs and record video of the scene. Victim and witness statements can only do so much; facts don’t fade or change.

Strengthening Your Claim

In addition to gathering evidence immediately and thoroughly, there are a few other ways you can help protect your chance at claiming damages in a chain reaction crash. You should:

• Call the police so an official report is created. Ask the officer present for a copy of the report.
• Exchange information (contacts, registrations, insurance) with everyone involved and anyone present.
• Avoid making statements about fault, no matter whose it is.
• Seek medical help right away, even more minor symptoms. What might not feel serious could get worse, and documenting the early stages can be important.

Just like the accident itself, the aftermath of a chain reaction crash is going to be messy. Every bit of help you can get may matter.

Being involved in a chain reaction crash can be scary and dangerous. Reach out to Gage Mathers to help you navigate the mess, avoid excessive liability, and get the compensation you need!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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