Multi-vehicle crashes can be incredibly complex, involving several drivers, vehicles and sometimes even multiple insurance companies. If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Illinois, you might be wondering: who’s really responsible for the damages and injuries?
At the Dinizulu Law Group, we understand how confusing these cases can be. Determining liability in a multi-vehicle crash is critical to getting the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Multi-Vehicle Crash?
A multi-vehicle crash happens when three or more vehicles collide, either in a chain reaction or a series of impacts. These crashes often occur on busy highways, at intersections or in poor weather conditions. Due to the involvement of multiple parties, figuring out who caused the accident and who is responsible for damages can be tricky.
How Is Liability Determined?
In Illinois, liability is often based on comparative negligence. This means each driver involved in the accident can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions. For example, one driver might be 60% at fault while another might be 40% at fault. Your compensation is then adjusted according to your share of fault.
Insurance companies and attorneys investigate many factors to determine liability, including:
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Which driver violated traffic laws (e.g., speeding, running a red light, distracted driving)
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The sequence of events leading up to the crash
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Vehicle positions and damage patterns
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Eyewitness statements and police reports
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Traffic camera footage or dashcam videos
Because multiple drivers are involved, liability can be split among several parties. Sometimes one driver is primarily responsible, while others share partial blame.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Many multi-vehicle crashes stem from chain-reaction collisions. This often happens when a driver suddenly brakes or loses control, causing the vehicles behind to crash into one another. Common causes include:
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Tailgating (following too closely)
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Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
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Speeding and reckless driving
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Poor weather and road conditions
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Sudden lane changes without signaling
Each driver’s role in causing or contributing to the crash will be closely examined.
What Happens After a Multi-Vehicle Crash?
If you’re involved in a multi-vehicle crash, your first priority should be safety. Move to a safe area if possible, call 911 for medical help if needed and report the accident to the police. Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved.
Document as much as you can — take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and any injuries. Gather contact info for witnesses and get a copy of the police report. These details will be important when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Multi-vehicle crashes often involve complex liability issues and multiple insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or dispute fault percentages to reduce payouts.
At the Dinizulu Law Group, we have the expertise to thoroughly investigate your crash, gather crucial evidence and fight for your rights. We ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Time Limits to File a Claim in Illinois
Keep in mind that Illinois has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims — usually two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering damages, so it’s important to act quickly.
Contact the Dinizulu Law Group for Help
If you’ve been injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Illinois, don’t try to navigate the legal complexities alone. The dedicated team at the Dinizulu Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (312) 384-1920 for a free, confidential consultation.
