Multi-Vehicle Accidents

When more than two vehicles are involved in a car accident, the risk of confusion increases. Determining fault is significantly more challenging in multi-vehicle accidents. It is harder to determine what caused the problem and whether any component of the crash could have been avoided.

If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, seek the help of an attorney to sift through the details and evidence to determine what your rights are. Here are several key points to consider regarding these accidents, as explained by a skilled Nashville accident lawyer.

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Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Various factors contribute to the onset of multi-vehicle accidents. Most occur as a result of one person making a mistake and then that person replicating it with others behind them. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Fog and poor visibility situations can obscure a driver’s ability to see the vehicle in front of them.
• Unsafe road conditions, such as snow or ice, can make it difficult to stop the vehicle, especially on high-speed routes.
• Traveling too closely to the person in front, called tailgating, limits the amount of space a vehicle has to come to a full stop.
• Road congestion, especially on interstates, is higher, and drivers are less patient.
• Lack of attention to changing road conditions, such as due to an accident, construction, or road closure, leading to striking an already stopped driver.

In these accidents, the statistics are worrisome. According to data shared by the National Safety Council, 72% of all reported accidents in 2023 involved multiple vehicles. Of those, 43% involved fatalities.

Determining Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Accident

Numerous things about multi-vehicle accidents are complex. However, there may not be any factor more challenging than determining fault. Accident reconstruction is often necessary to build a scenario from the evidence and forensics to determine what had to have happened. Most of the time, police officers responding to the accident will gather evidence from the scene to make an initial determination of fault.

Police officers often do not have all of the data they need to make decisions like this, though. They may not know the details of what triggered the incident. Further investigations may use additional data to determine the fault, such as:

• Traffic cameras, including speed cameras
• Dashboard camera data
• Witness statements
• Passenger statements
• Expert witness testimony
• Video from the surrounding areas and businesses

With all of this information, it is possible to determine who is at fault. If that happens, and you do not believe the information is accurate, you can challenge these details.

The Role of Comparative Negligence

Every state puts in place some laws related to fault when more than one party is to blame for an accident. In Tennessee, under a modified comparative negligence system, you can still recover damages in the accident if you are found partially at fault. However, you cannot seek a claim if your fault is 50% or higher. For this reason, your car or truck accident attorney in Nashville will work diligently to reduce your level of fault whenever possible. Notably, if your level of fault is 49% or lower, your compensation is reduced by that figure.

Seek Legal Guidance in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Victims involved in a multi-vehicle accident benefit from having legal representation. Your Nashville injury attorney works to identify evidence that can prove your innocence or help you document who may be more at fault. Set up a free consultation with Selvidge Injury Law to learn your options.