Multi-vehicle car accidents can be both catastrophic and confusing. When several vehicles are involved in a collision, determining fault and negotiating with insurance can be particularly complicated. However, that shouldn’t stop you from seeking your rightful compensation.
Navigating this legal process requires an understanding of who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident, how liability is established, the challenges you may encounter, and how an experienced Portland multi-vehicle accident lawyer can help.
Understanding Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Portland
Portland’s major roadways, particularly intersections and highways like I-5 and Sunset Highway, are prone to multi-vehicle accidents due to high traffic volumes, frequent construction, and a wide range of weather conditions. These collisions often begin as a single driver error, resulting in a domino effect that causes significant property damage and potentially serious injuries.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes in Portland
Multi-vehicle accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons, sometimes multiple reasons at once. Some of the most common causes of these kinds of crashes include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical failure
- Dangerous road conditions
Determining the cause of a multi-vehicle pileup can be complicated, as there’s not necessarily one single reason why the accident occurred. An experienced Portland multi-vehicle accident lawyer will typically work with accident reconstruction experts to better understand who might be responsible for the crash.
Who Is Liable in a Chain Reaction Crash?
Multi-car accident liability is a complicated topic – not only because the collision is more complex and involves more people, but because liability can fall on several parties at once.
For example, imagine a rear-end collision chain reaction in which Car 1 rear-ends Car 2, pushing them into Car 3. Typically, the car that initiated the accident (Car 1 in this instance) would be the liable party. However, if Car 2 was following Car 3 too closely (a violation of Oregon law), they may also bear some responsibility.
The more drivers involved, the more complicated multi-car accident liability can become. For instance, if the three-car pileup was in the middle of an intersection and another car was speeding and crashed into them, that negligent driver may also be partially at fault.
It’s not always a driver who’s solely responsible for the accident, either. If a hazardous condition or poor road design contributed to the collision, a state or local government entity could be liable. Or if a truck driver was involved in the accident, then their employer may have some responsibility for the driver’s negligence. In cases where a vehicle malfunction caused the crash, the manufacturer may be held liable.
Proving Fault in Multi-Car Accidents in Portland
Determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle crash requires a thorough investigation. And proving that the responsible party is liable for the damage and injuries they’ve caused requires substantial evidence. An experienced Portland multi-vehicle accident attorney may use the following evidence to build a strong case:
Police Reports
The accident report from responding law enforcement officers will contain key details about the collision and all involved parties, including:
- Contributing factors
- Weather and light conditions
- Driver and witness statements
- The nature of any injuries or property damage
- An initial fault assessment
It serves as a critical official document of the incident, making it an important piece of evidence for your car accident claim.
Witness Testimony
A third-party perspective can provide clear, objective details about the collision and what caused it. This offers credibility to your claim, as random bystanders are unlikely to have any stake in the outcome of your case. An experienced Portland car crash attorney can seek out witnesses and conduct interviews with them to obtain this crucial form of evidence.
Photo and Video Evidence
Images and video of the crash scene can show vehicle damage, skid marks, accident debris, road and weather conditions, traffic signals and signs, and the surrounding area. This can help provide visual confirmation of your version of events.
Dashcam or Traffic Camera Footage
Video footage is some of the most clear and convincing evidence of all. Many drivers today have dashcams, while many Portland intersections have traffic cameras or TriMet security systems. This evidence can reveal the sequence of events that led to the crash, any conditions that may have contributed, and who may bear the most responsibility for the accident.
Accident Reconstruction
Many Portland multi-vehicle accident attorneys will turn to accident reconstruction experts to understand a complex case involving several vehicles. These experts can investigate the crash scene, examine vehicle damage and road conditions, and even utilize simulation software to recreate the accident and better understand what caused it.
Insurance Challenges After a Multi-Vehicle Crash
Ask any car accident lawyer in Portland, Oregon, and they’ll likely tell you that one of the biggest challenges when seeking compensation for a multi-vehicle crash is navigating insurance claims. There are a few reasons why this is true, including:
- Dealing with multiple insurance companies – Liability in multi-vehicle crashes can sometimes fall on several parties at once. That means coordinating between several insurers, all of whom are likely to downplay their client’s role in the accident.
- Liability disputes – With multiple parties involved in these collisions, it’s highly common for insurance companies to dispute their client’s liability. It can take an experienced Portland car crash attorney to clearly establish fault and prevent this gridlock.
- Reduced compensation – If you are partially to blame for the crash, it doesn’t mean you cannot recover any compensation – as long as you aren’t more than 50 percent at fault. However, Oregon law allows your compensation to be reduced by your percentage of fault. That means it’s critical to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side to try to limit the level of blame placed on you and maximize your financial recovery.
- Underinsured or uninsured drivers – While Oregon law does require every driver to carry auto insurance, not every driver has more than the bare minimum coverage, and some simply don’t follow the law at all. When one or more drivers are underinsured or uninsured, it adds another layer of complexity for your Portland multi-vehicle accident lawyer to sort out.
Legal Options for Injury Victims in Portland
There are several legal avenues your Portland car crash attorney might suggest when you’re seeking compensation after a multi-vehicle accident. The most common legal options include:
- Personal injury claims – When another insured driver is at fault, you can potentially file a claim against their insurance policy. Your lawyer would then negotiate with the other party’s insurers for a fair settlement.
- PIP claims – Every insurance policy in Oregon must have at least $15,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This means you can turn to your own insurance policy to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims – When the at-fault party’s insurance does not cover all of your compensation, or when they are not insured at all, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide compensation.
- Third-party claims – If a defective vehicle part or a negligent employer contributed to the accident, you may have a valid claim against them.
- Government entity – When hazardous road conditions, poor road design, or inadequate signage contribute to a crash, the local or state government may be responsible. These claims require a Notice of Claim to be filed within 180 days of the accident.
Why You Need a Portland Car Accident Attorney
The actions you take in the days and weeks following a car crash can heavily impact the outcome of your case. Hiring a reputable Portland multi-vehicle accident attorney to guide you through this complicated process can be incredibly beneficial for a variety of reasons, including:
Sound Legal Advice
All car accident cases are complicated and challenging, but multi-vehicle accident cases can be even more difficult to manage. An experienced Portland car crash attorney can assess your case, suggest your best legal options, and help you avoid critical errors as you seek fair compensation.
Local Knowledge
Successful car accident claims don’t just require deep knowledge of Oregon’s personal injury and traffic laws. They also require an intimate understanding of Portland’s roadways, road conditions, and traffic patterns. An experienced attorney should have the required level of comprehension for your case.
Evidence Collection
Any good claim has clear and convincing evidence to back it. Your attorney can investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, collect medical records and financial documents, and consult with experts while you focus on your recovery.
Tenacious Negotiation
Insurance companies will gladly deny your claim altogether if they can find a way to do it. You need an aggressive advocate to take them on at the negotiating table and combat their attempts to minimize your payout so you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Courtroom Representation
Sometimes, the insurance company refuses to play fair. When that’s the case, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you when your claim goes to court. A seasoned trial attorney will then fight for your right to a favorable verdict.
Contact a Portland Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries in a multi-vehicle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a car accident lawyer in Portland to protect your rights.
The team at Rizk Law proudly serves injured clients in Portland and throughout Oregon as they seek justice for the harm they’ve suffered. Our reputation for compassionate, tenacious representation is backed by a strong track record of results and many heartfelt client testimonials. Contact us today for your free consultation.