Fault in a multi-car accident depends on who acted negligently. One party could be at fault in one case, while multiple parties could be at fault in another.
Nevada Has Comparative Negligence Laws
NRS §41.141 is Nevada’s comparative negligence law. It says that as long as another party is more than 50 percent responsible for a collision, they can recover compensation. In the above scenario, the fault could be divided among multiple parties, like:
- Driver A could be 50% responsible.
- Driver B could be 50% responsible.
- Driver C could be 0% responsible.
The negligent drivers’ role in the accident would take away from the money they could pursue through a claim or lawsuit. So, if Driver B had $20,000 in damages, they would only be able to recover $10,000 since they were 50 percent responsible for the collision.
Evidence We Use to Determine Fault
Multi-car accidents can quickly get complicated. If you were involved in such a scenario, an investigation would likely need to take place. The following pieces of evidence could determine who (or what) caused the crash:
The Police Report
NRS §484E.070 says that if you were involved in a car accident, you have to file a police report if:
- Anybody was hurt.
- Anybody was killed.
- Property damage was more than $750.
The police report will serve as a vital piece of information when determining fault. It will include things like:
- The location of the crash
- Who was involved
- Whether anybody was arrested
- Whether anybody was hurt
- The degree of negligence involved
- The makes, colors, and models of the involved cars
- Relevant insurance information
- The involved parties’ contact information
Traffic Camera Footage
Many intersections are equipped with surveillance cameras. If a traffic camera captured the crash, your legal team can secure that information to prove what happened.
Testimony from Witnesses
Testimony from the people involved in the collision or bystanders who saw it happen can be useful. They may be able to give information about the moments before, during, and after the accident.
Accident Reconstruction Specialist Testimony
Accident reconstruction experts specialize in recreating accidents. They do this by using diagrams and 3D modeling software. They will take into consideration the following when recreating a collision:
- The types of cars involved
- The street’s layout
- The speeds of the traveling vehicles
- Any other environmental factors, like rain or fog
Photos of the Accident Scene
Photos of the accident scene can give important information about the cars’ damage, who was involved, and the crash’s aftermath.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Multi-Car Accident Case?
It is totally up to you whether you want to hire a lawyer following a multi-car accident. However, it could be in your best interest to do so because:
- Dealing with more than one insurance company can get complicated.
- The fault for the accident may be unfairly shifted onto you.
- You may not understand who caused the accident.
- More than one party could be responsible for your damages.
Our team can handle the legal aspects of being in a multi-car accident. When you partner with us, we will determine who caused the accident, how much they owe you, and what measures could benefit your case.
While most car accident cases are settled out of court, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit, if necessary. We have no problem with filing a lawsuit against more than one party if your situation requires it.
Our Law Firm Will File Your Case on Time
NRS §11.190(4)(e) says that you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. While dealing with multiple parties after a car crash, time can go by fast. Yet, with a car accident lawyer from our team on your side, you do not need to worry about the statute of limitations.
All you have to worry about is getting better.
Call the Attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law Now for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was hurt in a multi-car accident, our team can help you secure a financial recovery on your behalf. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and we have over 60 years of combined experience.
To explore your options, call (702) 444-3228.