After a vehicular accident that involves a vehicle or two, it is often easy to determine the at-fault party. The party found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident can be held liable for the other driver’s damages.
Following an accident that involves several parties, fault determination can be complicated. The circumstances and factors are usually more complex, which makes it harder to prove fault and pursue a claim. Every party involved may have differing versions of what occurred. Insurers, police, and lawyers must examine the facts of the case to prove liability. Given the complexity of accidents that involve several parties, it is important to hire a skilled car accident attorney to help you secure the monetary compensation you deserve.
Determining Fault in Car Accidents that Involve Several Parties
The driver found to be mainly at fault for a multiple-vehicle accident is liable for the other parties’ damages. Typically, this can be established by proving the negligence of the driver. Driver negligence can come in many forms including being distracted, driving while intoxicated, and violating traffic laws.
Nevada adopts the modified comparative negligence rule, which assigns fault to every driver involved in an accident and awards damages based on their percentage of fault for the accident. This means that the ability of every driver to seek compensation is limited by their fault percentage. This makes it important to work with a reliable lawyer who will investigate the case. Also, the lawyer will identify the negligent party responsible for your injuries and advocate for your best interest and rights.
When Will You Get the Compensation that You Need?
After sustaining injuries in a car accident involving several parties, you may deserve compensation for your damages. But insurers will do everything to avoid paying the maximum compensation you are entitled to. They will make lowball settlement offers and may pressure you to accept quick settlements. Your attorney will work to secure the maximum compensation that reflects the true value of your claim and damages. This compensation should cover vehicle damage, medical costs, expected future medical expenses, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, and disfigurement.
It can take months or years to fully understand the severity of your injuries and damages following a car accident. Thus, you should not accept the initial settlement offer from the insurer. Instead, allow your attorney to analyze your situation and deal with the insurance adjuster for you.
What to Expect if You Share Fault for the Accident
Once your accident has been investigated, you will be assigned a share of the fault. Your attorney will assist you as you proceed. Again, you may still seek compensation for your injuries and damages even if you are partially at fault for the crash, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51%. Also, your fault percentage will reduce your compensation. Your lawyer will look for accurate facts regarding the crash, like witness statements, truck driver records, video surveillance, BAC testing results, and cell phone records to reduce your liability for the accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Car accidents occur daily in Las Vegas. A lot of these are fender benders while others lead to severe injuries. An accident that involves several vehicles often results in serious injuries and deaths. If you have been hurt in a car accident involving multiple parties, ensure you take the right steps. These include getting yourself to safety, calling 911, not admitting fault, taking photos of the accident scene, securing witnesses’ contact information, and collecting all parties’ contact and insurance information. Also, make sure you contact an experienced car accident attorney in Vegas.
