Who Is Liable for Multiple-Vehicle Collisions?

 Posted on March 11, 2025 in Car Accidents

A multiple-vehicle accident critically injured at least one person and shut down part of the Almaden Expressway for several hours on February 18th. That crash came shortly after a February 11th collision on I-880 that involved multiple vehicles and a motorcycle. Multiple-vehicle collisions are common with the heavy traffic in the South Bay Area, often causing serious injuries and fatalities.

You could be entitled to compensation if you are injured in a multi-car crash, but determining who is at fault is a complex process in these accidents. Our skilled Santa Clara County, CA personal injury lawyer’s investigation into your accident should reveal all at-fault parties and provide the supporting evidence you need to file a successful claim.

Why Are Chain-Reaction Crash Claims Complex?

Before you can file an insurance claim, you need to know whose insurance company to file it against. When only two vehicles collide, one or both drivers are probably at fault for all the property damage and injuries sustained. However, you may be hit several times in a multiple-car crash, and each impact can cause harm.

These crashes are actually a series of individual accidents strung together, one after another. Each separate accident requires an investigation to determine why it happened. Although the first at-fault driver is sometimes liable for the additional collisions, others could also share fault. For example, a speeding driver may come around a curve and be unable to avoid crashing into other vehicles that were already involved in a pileup due to their excessive speed.

Each impact can cause new injuries and vehicle damage. They can also make injuries you already sustained worse or further crumple your car. This fact creates confusion. Each insurance company will probably try to place fault and liability on someone else to avoid paying your claim, saying that another driver’s actions are what caused your injuries and related losses.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Multiple-Vehicle Collision Claim?

It takes skill and resources to investigate a chain-reaction collision. Although there may be more than one at-fault party, you need to establish which party caused what consequence. Only then can you file insurance claims for your damages.

While you are waiting for payment, all the involved insurers will be busy fighting each other. You could be in limbo indefinitely, wondering if and when you will be paid.

Not only can your lawyer fully investigate your accident and establish liability, but we can also fight the insurers aggressively on your behalf. We have seen their bags of tricks and know how to win cases.

Contact an Experienced San Jose, CA Car Accident Lawyer

Law Office of John J. Garvey, III has been winning cases for over 45 years. Our Santa Clara County, CA personal injury attorney is determined to provide exceptional legal representation that gets the results you need. Not only is your consultation free, but you will not be charged contingency fees unless we recover monetary compensation for you. Contact us today to discuss your case, either online or by calling 408-293-7777.