With an average of 16,438 vehicular accidents occurring in the U.S. every day, a substantial number of people sustain injuries due to these incidents on a regular basis. While it’s relatively easy to determine how a single car or two-vehicle accident has occurred, multi-vehicle collisions can require more complex investigations.
However, this needn’t prevent you from obtaining compensation. Even if multiple vehicles have been involved in the incident, it is still possible to bring a successful lawsuit, providing liability can be proven.
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Establishing Fault and Liability
In order to obtain compensation after a road traffic accident, you need to establish who was at fault and, therefore, who is liable for the incident. If a stationary vehicle is parked legally and is hit by a speeding car, for example, it’s highly likely that the driver in control of the speeding car will be 100% liable for the collision.
In reality, liability isn’t always so cut and dried, and this is particularly true when three or more vehicles are involved. If more than one driver or road user causes or contributes to an accident, they can all be held responsible. In such cases, liability for the incident is shared between the people at fault based on how their actions contributed to the collision.
Obtaining Compensation After a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Making a successful compensation claim can be a tricky process, especially if liability is disputed. Investigations may need to be undertaken to determine who is liable and how much liability can be assigned to them. To do this, plaintiffs will need to present evidence relating to the cause of the accident, such as CCTV footage, police accident investigation reports etc.
Fortunately, you won’t have to handle your claim alone. By getting specialist advice and hiring a personal injury Chicago lawyer, for example, you can ensure that your claim is managed by experienced attorneys who are tasked with getting you the maximum amount of compensation. In addition to this, your personal injury attorneys will work hard to protect your liability and prevent you from being held responsible for an incident that wasn’t your fault.
How Much Compensation Are You Entitled To?
The compensation you can obtain following a road traffic accident varies depending on a number of factors. The severity of your injuries will have a significant impact on how much you can expect to receive. If you sustain permanent, life-changing head injuries, for example, you should be awarded a larger amount of compensation than you would receive for temporary injuries, such as whiplash or a broken arm.
Of course, the severity of your injuries isn’t the only thing you’ll be compensated for when you take legal action after a multi-vehicle accident. Your claim can also include the cost of property damage incurred due to the incident, wages and income you’ve lost due to the effects of the accident and even the cost of any expenses you’ve incurred because of the collision.
Given the extensive financial repercussions a car accident can have, it’s well worth seeking legal advice if you’ve been affected by a collision on the road. From minor incidents to major, multi-vehicle accidents, the right legal team can help you to claim the compensation you deserve.
