Multi car accidents are common nowadays because people are distracted on the crowded roadways. Car crashes can happen for a number of reasons. Sometimes, traffic slows down all of a sudden and many drivers do not have time to react before they hit the car in front of them. A pile up. Dominoes.
These kinds of cases involve a question of who is at fault.
In Colorado, a party can be apportioned a percentage of fault.
If vehicle #1, vehicle #2, and vehicle #3 are involved in a car crash on highway 225 in Aurora, Colorado, we need to determine who was at fault. Was it one vehicle or two vehicles or all three?
Let’s assume that vehicle #1 stops for traffic in front of it because there is a traffic jam. Let’s assume that vehicle #2 starts to slow but does not stop in time before rear ending vehicle #1. Let’s assume that vehicle #3 does not stop in time and hits vehicle #2, and then vehicle #2 bounces into vehicle #1 again.
Both vehicle #2 and #3 may be at-fault for damages and injuries to people in vehicle #1.
Vehicle #3 may be at-fault for damages and and injuries to people in vehicle #2.
Often times, drivers are distracted. See our page on the topic of distracted driving.
This is a ball of wax. An attorney will need to gather facts to look at liability. Insurance companies for all vehicles will be calling the people involved and witnesses to see what happened. If you are injured, it would be a good idea to call an attorney to discuss your case.
Crowded Roads
Colorado roads are growing more crowded.
The Colorado State Patrol keeps track of fatalities, DWAI/DUI crashes and other statistics. Colorado licensed drivers are up from 3.4 million in 2006 to 3.8 million in 2013.
Because the number of vehicles on the roadways are increasing, Colorado is building and expanding its roadways.
We see this on C-470 where there is a large expansion project.
We see this in the expansion of I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver metro area.
With more construction, there is a higher likelihood of mutli-vehicle collisions. Construction areas require vehicles to slow down. There is less room to avoid collisions. Often a vehicle collision ahead will cause vehicle collision behind because of the slow in the flow of traffic.
The More Vehicles, the More Insurance Companies
Colorado law requires each vehicle to have bodily injury insurance in the amount of 25,000 per person and 50,000 per accident.
In multi-vehicle crashes, this means that each vehicle should have at least one policy per vehicle. The driver may also have a policy.
Each vehicle’s insurance companies will be investigating:
- how the accident occurred
- who is at-fault
- what percentage of fault each driver has
- the damages to the vehicle
- the injuries to the people involved
Each insurance company also will be looking to limit the amount it has to pay for the damages and injuries. It is important that you have someone to represent you during the investigation phase. This starts as soon as one person call the insurance company.
Hire Us to Resolve Your Multi Car Accident Case
If you have been injured on the highway, it is important to consult with an attorney right away. Your attorney will help you understand how the collision occurred and who is responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
You can chat with us now on line, Lee, Myers & O’Connell, LLP about a free consultation to understand your rights or call us.
Chat with us now using the box below.