A single-car accident is stressful enough, but when multiple vehicles are involved, the situation can become even more overwhelming. Assigning blame and navigating the legal process can be difficult in multi-vehicle accidents. Determining whose insurance pays in a multi–car accident could be difficult.
Work with our Massachusetts multi–car accident lawyer to understand your rights and how to maximize your compensation. By working with DiBella Law, you may increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation and achieving a positive outcome. Contact us today to get started.
Damages in Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles
Massachusetts’ no-fault auto insurance system removes the question of liability, allowing you to recover damages directly through your own insurance policy. State law requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) as part of the mandatory auto insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, you can file a claim with your insurance provider.
Massachusett’s Office of the Attorney General gives some helpful insight into understanding auto insurance. PIP coverage provides up to $8,000 for any necessary medical treatment for injuries, 75% of lost wages if you had to take time off work, and any replacement services that you require during your recovery.
The benefit of the no-fault policy is that it ensures financial support for everyone involved in a collision, even if they are responsible for the accident.
The downside of PIP coverage is that it may not fully compensate those who suffer severe injuries or substantial losses that are more likely to occur in multiple-vehicle accidents.
If your medical expenses are over $2,000 or if you experience significant injuries, such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, or loss of vision or hearing, you can bypass the PIP claim process and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Contact our team to discuss your options.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Determining Liability in Multiple-Vehicle Accidents
After meeting the criteria to bypass the no-fault system, the next step is identifying the at-fault party to file a claim against. In multi-vehicle accidents, there are numerous possibilities for fault.
Assigning blame in a multi-vehicle accident can be incredibly challenging, especially when the chaos of the situation makes it difficult to establish a clear sequence of events.
You have to consider some key factors when determining fault such as the order in which the vehicles collided, causing the chain reaction. In complex multi-vehicle accidents, you may consult with accident reconstructionists or engineers, to help determine the cause of the accident and assign fault. These experts can analyze evidence and provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the collision.
If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our knowledge of Massachusetts law goes beyond the basics of auto insurance. We will help you gather evidence, navigate the legal process, and protect your rights.
Key Factors in Determining Fault
Understanding the sequence of events in a multi-vehicle accident is crucial for determining fault. Witness accounts, video footage, and physical evidence can help establish the order in which vehicles collided. Violations of traffic laws, such as running red lights, speeding, or failing to yield, are strong indicators of fault.
Additionally, the position of vehicles after the accident can provide clues about the sequence of events and potential points of impact. Evidence of distracted driving, impaired driving, or other reckless behavior can also be used to assign fault. In large pileups, determining the initial point of impact and how subsequent collisions unfolded can be challenging due to multiple points of impact and conflicting witness accounts.
The force of the accident can also destroy or damage evidence, making it difficult to reconstruct the sequence of events. This can complicate the process of assigning fault in multi-vehicle accidents.
Your car accident lawyer from DiBella Law will help you develop a strategic approach to determining fault and whose insurance pays in your multi–car accident.
Shared Liability and Comparative Negligence in Massachusetts Car Accidents
In Massachusetts, if multiple drivers are at fault in a car accident, the comparative negligence rule applies. This means that each driver’s degree of fault will directly impact the damages they could recover.
Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 231, Section 85, comparative negligence allows you to recover damages as long as your legal responsibility is deemed less than 50% liable.
If you are deemed partially liable for the accident, the compensation you are able to recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault you have been granted. In the aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident, it is important to protect your interests and avoid making any statements or decisions that could harm your case. An attorney can provide guidance and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
With multiple vehicle accidents, your car accident lawyer will help gather evidence to prove the negligence of the other drivers. They will also help fight against any claims brought against you.
By working with an accident lawyer at DiBella Law, you can increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation and achieving a positive outcome in your multi-vehicle accident case.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
When to Contact a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer
Establishing liability is a key aspect of any car accident case. Since proving fault is essential to securing compensation, gathering sufficient evidence is crucial. In multi-vehicle accidents, identifying and proving negligence can be more challenging due to the complexity of the situation.
If you have been injured in such an accident, a car accident attorney can help you obtain a fair settlement quickly. They will investigate the crash, collect evidence, and assess damages. You can schedule a free consultation anytime after the accident to discuss your case and explore your legal options for compensation.
The lawyers at DiBella Law strive to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family. To ensure you have strong legal representation, we offer our services with no upfront fees. Check out our instant case evaluator to determine if you have a claim, or contact us for a free case consultation for personalized answers to your questions.
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DiBella Law Is Ready to Help with Your Insurance Claim
Our team of car accident lawyers has years of experience working with injury victims in multi-car accidents. Read our testimonials from satisfied clients like you and learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today for advice on whose insurance may pay in your multi–car accident.
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