Personal Injury Attorney Explains Who Is at Fault in a Chain-Reaction Car Accident in Orlando
Chain-reaction car accidents can be difficult to navigate because, unlike regular crashes, they often involve multiple liabilities. Victims often aren’t sure whose insurance company to file a claim with, and the confusion escalates if they’re partially at fault.
Below, The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., a personal injury attorney in Orlando, explains who is at fault in a chain-reaction car accident in Orlando, FL.
Determining Liability for a Chain-Reaction Car Accident
Typically, the driver who caused the initial collision is at fault. However, other drivers may be at fault as well.
Here is an example: One person is driving erratically, and the driver behind them attempts to switch lanes to avoid a crash. This driver doesn’t see the car approaching in the lane to their left. They sideswipe the car, causing a chain-reaction accident.
In this case, the driver who caused the first collision would be liable, but so might the person who was driving erratically.
Causes of chain-reaction car accidents in Orlando include:
- Not driving at a safe following distance
- Failing to use turn signals
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Distracted driving, such as taking one’s eyes off the road to look at a phone or navigation system
- Drunk driving
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Orlando, FL
Florida is rather unique when it comes to comparative negligence. Unlike other states, which bar victims from recovery if they are partially at fault, victims in Orlando can recover damages even if they share some of the blame for the crash.
So the question, “Who is at fault in a chain-reaction car accident?” doesn’t matter as much as it would in some states. Victims can recover even if they’re 99% responsible. The court simply reduces the award by the amount of fault.
What Victims Should Do After an Accident
Victims can use their insurance’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for some medical bills. In Orlando, FL, the law requires drivers to have at least $10,000 of PIP. PIP is no-fault, so it provides coverage even for those who are partially liable for the crash.
If insurance doesn’t fully cover a victim’s bills, exploring the types of compensation available through a personal injury claim may be a viable next step.
Attorney Helps Victims Seek Compensation
Determining who is at fault in a chain-reaction car accident can be complicated, but The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., a distinguished personal injury attorney in Orlando, offers reliable help untangling the complexities of liability. Lead attorney Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., has over 30 years of experience guiding clients through insurance claims, accident reconstruction, and personal injury suits.
For a consultation, victims can call (239) 500-5000.
