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Proving Fault In A Multi-Car Accident

Posted by Bautista Leroy | Aug 03, 2019 | 0 Comments

proving fault in a multi-car accident

Bautista LeRoy Law Firm can assist in proving liability in multi-car accidents. Since the 1990s, our team of attorneys has proudly served the Kansas City Metropolitan Area through personal injury law. We take great pleasure in creating positive outcomes for our clients while upholding our legacy of excellence.

Determining who's responsible for multiple-car accidents can be challenging. This article will guide you through how fault is assigned and determined as well as how comparative negligence works in Missouri and Kansas.

 

How can you prove liability in multi-car accident?

Liability may not always be clear in multi-car accidents, which often involve numerous points of contact and chain reactions that make proving blame difficult.

Below are the steps necessary for you to establish liability:

  • Gather Evidence
  • Examine Traffic Laws
  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Review Dashcam or Surveillance Footage
  • Analyze Insurance Statements

 

How to determine fault in a multi-vehicle car crash?

Liability may be difficult to ascertain in an accident involving multiple cars. Here is how fault usually is determined:

  • Negligence: Common examples include texting while driving, speeding or switching lanes without signaling properly. When multiple-car collisions take place then multiple parties could potentially share responsibility.
  • Causation: One must understand whether any one driver caused it by breaking any relevant traffic rules. Anyone found violating one could potentially face legal ramifications.
  • Chain of Events: Multi-vehicle accidents may begin with one car rear-ending another vehicle and setting off an initial chain reaction. Either one driver may bear sole liability or it could be shared among multiple parties involved.

 

How are comparative negligence laws applied in Missouri and Kansas regarding multi-vehicle accidents?

Missouri and Kansas both use comparative negligence to assign blame in accidents. However, there are key distinctions.

  • Missouri follows what's known as pure comparative negligence policy, so even if your actions contributed in some capacity to an accident, compensation can still be obtained. Your award would simply be adjusted according to your percentage of fault.
  • Kansas utilizes a modified comparative negligence rule with an "implied bar of 51%" meaning if an accident can be shown to have been your responsibility greater than 50% no damages may be recovered. If you are 50% or less at fault, recovery will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

 

Why hiring a personal injury attorney can be beneficial?

  • Multiple car accidents frequently involve numerous.  Personal injury attorneys can effectively navigate these legal complexities.
  • Attorneys understand how insurance companies limit payouts and can effectively negotiate.
  • Personal injury attorneys have the necessary resources such as expertise to reconstruct accidents and expert witnesses.

 

When should an attorney be hired?

After being involved in a multi-car collision, it's wise to immediately reach out to a personal injury attorney. By doing this early enough they will have plenty of time to gather evidence, interview witnesses and preserve any documents.

Insurance adjusters may put pressure on you to settle an unfavorable settlement quickly. Hiring an attorney early will help reduce stress when making claims decisions and give peace of mind.

 

Which criteria must be kept in mind when searching for an effective attorney?

  • Experience: For optimal efficiency and protection, hire an experienced personal injury attorney.
  • Proven Track Record: Select an attorney who can demonstrate success at providing positive outcomes similar to your claims before.
  • Communication: Ensure your attorney is available to respond to any of your inquiries or provide updates about the progress of your case.

 

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista-LeRoy's legal team has extensive expertise in handling multiple-vehicle collisions, which allows us to guarantee fair compensation to the victims involved. With expert knowledge in Missouri and Kansas Law behind them, our attorneys are adept at managing such complex matters to your benefit, doing everything in our power to protect your rights.

 

Suggested Action Steps

  • Seek medical assistance immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries.
  • Document the accident by taking pictures, collecting witness contact info and any additional evidence as well as filing police reports.
  • Consult an experienced personal injury attorney, who can protect your rights while leading you through the legal process.

Follow these steps and increase the odds of receiving fair compensation following multiple car collisions. An experienced personal injury attorney is there to guide and represent your best interest. Contact us today at 816-221-0382 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.


Summary

Proving fault in multi-car accidents can be complex, as multiple vehicles and chain reactions often make liability unclear. Bautista LeRoy Law Firm has assisted clients in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area since the 1990s, providing skilled representation in personal injury cases. Establishing liability typically involves gathering evidence, reviewing traffic laws, reconstructing accidents, analyzing dashcam or surveillance footage and examining insurance statements.

Fault is usually determined by negligence, causation and the sequence of events. Drivers may share responsibility if multiple parties contributed to the accident. Missouri and Kansas apply comparative negligence differently. Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence approach, allowing compensation even if the injured party shares some fault. Kansas uses a modified comparative negligence rule, where compensation may be denied if the injured party is over 50 percent at fault.

Hiring a personal injury attorney is beneficial for navigating insurance negotiations, preserving evidence and consulting expert witnesses. Attorneys ensure your rights are protected and can guide you through the legal process efficiently. Seek medical care immediately, document the accident and contact an experienced attorney promptly to improve the chances of fair compensation. For assistance, contact Bautista LeRoy LLC at 816-221-0382 or via our Contact Page. Our team serves Kansas City MO and KS and the surrounding areas.

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816-221-0382

Bautista LeRoy LLC is located in Missouri, providing representation for Catastrophic Injury Cases, including Elder and Nursing Home Abuse, Defective Products, Trucking and Auto Collisions, Railroad Crossing Litigation, Wrongful Death, and Medical Malpractice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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