California Fault Laws and Multi-Car Accidents

 
Even worse, it has been reported that half of California drivers killed in an accident were under the influence of drugs at the time. Thirty percent of fatal crashes involve drunk drivers. The statistics go on and on, and they do not get better.

 
Multi-car accidents are included in the terrifying number of accidents in California. Multi-vehicle accidents happen for many reasons and can cause severe injury and death.

 
Since California is a fault state, the driver responsible for causing a multi-car accident is usually liable for damages. This rule ensures that innocent injured parties get compensation to cover their losses.

How Is Fault Determined in Multi-Car Accidents?

It is not always immediately clear who may be at fault for a multi-vehicle crash. This is mainly because several drivers and external factors may have played a role.

 
Police reports are essential in helping to establish fault after a multi-car accident. The responding officer will document the accident scene and make crucial observations. They will speak to witnesses and take notes of vehicle damage, broken infrastructure, or dead traffic lights.

 
The information gathered by a police officer can help visualize the chain of events that caused the pile-up. Traffic or CCTV camera footage can also be useful during this process. Expert analysis may be needed if it is still unclear who or what may have led to the accident.

California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rules

California law holds each driver responsible for their actions while on the road. If an accident happens, the state’s pure comparative negligence law comes into effect.

 
Pure comparative negligence rules state that as long as drivers are not 100% responsible for an accident, they can seek compensation. However, their settlement will be reduced by the percentage they are found to be liable for the accident.

 
For example, a driver may be seriously injured and want to claim $100,000 after a multi-car accident. If that same driver is 50% to blame for the accident, they can only potentially recover $50,000 in a personal injury claim.
If more than two people are involved in an accident, a court will likely have to consider the facts and evidence of the accident. For instance, five drivers may have some level of liability, while two others are not at fault at all.

This can quickly become a very complicated case, so all involved parties must be represented by their lawyer.

California Insurance Requirements

In addition to being a fault state, California requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage is as follows:
- $15,000 for an accident that caused injury or death to one person.
- $30,000 for an accident that caused injury or death to multiple people.
- $5,000 for property damage because of an accident.

Liability insurance pays for the injury and damages that another person sustains in an accident (not the policyholder). If a driver is responsible for a multi-car accident that causes several injuries or deaths, these minimum limits will quickly be exhausted.

If this happens, the injured parties and families of the deceased may file legal claims directly against the driver.
When an accident involves several vehicles and drivers, there will also likely be several investigations by multiple insurance companies. This will inevitably lead to disputes over who is mainly to blame for the accident because each insurer wants to pay as little as possible.

Why Fault Is Difficult to Determine in Multi-Car Accidents

With many parties involved, multi-car accidents make it hard to pinpoint who is responsible. For instance, a driver may rear-end another car in bad weather. That car could spin out of control, crashing into two other vehicles.

In this case, the rear-ending driver may seem to be to blame. However, a medical emergency may have caused the rear-ending driver to crash into the other car. This would have to be considered when assigning blame.

Conversely, if the rear-ending driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this would naturally also have to be considered.

 
As mentioned above, disputes will arise. These disputes are common with insurers and among the parties involved in the accident. Each person will present their own account of the accident, which will only make fault determination more difficult.

Most Common Causes of Multi-Car Accidents

Drivers need to understand the consequences of a multi-car pile-up. Knowing how devasting such an accident can be may motivate them to take extra caution on the roads.

 
The most common causes of multi-car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: As cars become more advanced, drivers continue to take risks behind the wheel. They are texting, making phone calls, applying makeup, and eating, all while driving. This often leads to delayed reactions and accidents that cause a chain reaction.
- Speeding: Drivers are speeding more than ever before. The faster they drive, the less time they have to stop suddenly if something happens. This greatly increases the risk of a multi-crash.
- Weather: Unfortunately, there is no stopping the harsh weather throughout California and the rest of the U.S. Icy rain and fog can result in slippery roads that create a dangerous hazard.
- Tailgating and reckless driving: Even with all the accidents in California, some drivers continue to tailgate and drive recklessly. Too often, this leads to horrific accidents.

Legal Representation Is a Must After a Multi-Car Accident

All parties involved in a multi-car accident must get a lawyer to represent them. Lawyers are experts at gathering evidence and helping to assign blame. They also negotiate with insurers known for minimizing payouts or offering lowball settlements.

 
If you are involved in a multi-car accident, getting a lawyer should be at the top of your list if you want to claim compensation. Your lawyer can help prove you were not to blame for the accident. They can also highlight and calculate your injuries and losses to ensure you get a fair settlement.