Not only are multi-vehicle accidents devastating accidents that often involve serious injuries and even deaths, but multi-vehicle accidents also involve complex legal issues as well. Complicated issues regarding liability and comparative negligence can make it all the more difficult to get the financial recovery that you deserve.
Assessing liability in a multi-vehicle accident first involves a close examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident. The police report, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts will all be used to provide information regarding the multi-vehicle accident.
After a thorough factual investigation is complete, liability will be assessed pursuant to principles of comparative negligence. Illinois law follows a “modified” comparative negligence regime, whereby an accident victim’s recovery is limited if the victim’s fault exceeds 50%. If the victim’s fault for the accident does not exceed 50%, she or she will still be entitled to recovery, but the amount
will be reduced in proportion to the degree to which the injured party was at fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault for the accident, you may still be able to collect damages, but your financial recovery will be reduced by 30%.
Only a few states continue to follow the contributory negligence system, which eliminates a victim’s ability to collect compensation if he or she is responsible for the accident at all, regardless of how minor his or her role in the accident.
Oftentimes, there are disputes among the various parties and insurance companies regarding the fault to be assigned each party involved in a multi-vehicle crash. For this reason, it is incredibly important to have an experienced auto accident lawyer in your corner to advocate on your behalf. At Ankin Law Office, LLC, we are well-versed in handling multi-vehicle accident claims and are well-equipped to handle the myriad factual and legal issues that arise.
