While every car accident is different, most occur between two vehicles. However, there are instances where more than two cars can collide with each other and cause a multi-vehicle accident. These accidents have various reasons, including hazardous weather, distracted driving, and speeding.
In two-vehicle accidents, there is often a clear indicator of who is responsible for the crash. Determining fault in a car accident involving multiple vehicles is often more complex and comes down to finding the initial negligent driver. There may also be more than one person responsible for the crash, requiring double the evidence to prove fault. To understand how to recover monetary compensation for the losses you suffer in an accident, you will need to know how to hold another party responsible for your losses.
How to Assign Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident
Regardless of how many individuals are involved in a car accident, assigning liability falls to one simple factor: proving negligence. In a car accident claim, you must have evidence showing the other person or persons’ negligence and how it caused your injuries. For example, video surveillance showing two vehicles racing down the street before colliding with your car will prove both drivers’ faults.
Consider some other examples of evidence you must gather for your claim:
- Dashcam or surveillance footage;
- Photos of the property damage to the vehicles involved;
- Witness testimonials;
- Photos of injuries;
- Medical records.
Multi-vehicle car accidents often come with complex and stressful situations since many people may point fingers and blame others for their negligence. If you cannot gather evidence due to injuries and stress, a lawyer will act on your behalf and gather the necessary evidence for your claim.
What You Need to Know About Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida is a “no-fault state”. While most people now know this, the majority of them do not know what this means. In Florida, if you are involved in a car accident, regardless of fault, your own insurance company pays for 80% of your medical bills and/or 60% of your lost wages up to $10,000. These amounts are paid from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that the state of Florida requires you to carry in order to drive legally.
Many Florida residents have the misperception that a “no-fault” system means they cannot hold someone liable for the losses they suffer in a car accident. However, even if your insurance covers a percentage of your losses, you can still pursue legal action against the at-fault individuals for the bills not covered by your PIP coverage and for pain and suffering if you sustain a permanent injury.
Should I Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer?
Multi-vehicle accidents are often highly complex and dangerous. With more than two people involved in the accident, someone may also blame you. An experienced lawyer will have the knowledge and resources to protect you from misguided fault and recover the best possible monetary compensation for your losses.
An attorney will provide many services, including:
- Answering your case-related questions;
- Investigating the facts of the collision;
- Establishing negligence and liability;
- Analyzing important legal documents;
- Reviewing for potential legal issues;
- Communicating with insurance companies;
- Negotiating settlement offers;
- Taking the case to a jury trial.
Without highly-qualified and communicative representation, your rights and monetary compensation may be at risk. Do not wait to seek legal advice, and speak with a car accident attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida at Marsalisi Law today.
Contact Marsalisi Law for a Knowledgeable Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
With years of experience fighting for clients’ rights across Florida, Frank P. Marsalisi believes everyone injured deserves highly-qualified and responsive legal representation. At Marsalisi Law, we vigorously fight for our clients. We treat our clients like family and provide services in English and Spanish, so clients can comfortably confide and communicate their questions and concerns. You can count on us to represent and recover the best possible monetary compensation for your claim.
Call (727) 800-5052 or fill out our contact form to speak with Frank P. Marsalisi today.
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