Who Is Liable for a 3-Way Car Crash in Colorado?
A 3-way car crash can be scary and stressful for anyone involved. When a multi-car collision occurs, it may be tricky to prove who is at fault and what factors are used to determine who is responsible for the crash. Whether you were rear-ended or stuck in a chain-reaction collision, a Colorado car accident lawyer can help your case and determine who is liable for the accident. Continue reading to learn more about three-way car accidents and who may be held responsible in these cases.
How Does a 3-Way Car Crash Happen?
Car collisions may occur for many reasons, especially when multiple cars are involved in a crash. A 3-way car accident is one in which three vehicles are involved in the crash, whether by an initial impact that created a chain reaction or if all drivers are at fault for playing a role in the collision.
Here are some common reasons why multi-car collisions may occur:
- Distracted driving
- DUI/DWI
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Failure to follow stop signs and yield to the right-of-way
- Reckless driving or speeding
- Parking lot collisions
- Bad weather or road conditions
- Vehicle malfunctions
Types of collisions involved in multi-car accidents include:
- Multi-car pile-ups
- Rear-end crashes
- Sideswiping
- Head-on collisions
- Other types of accidents and collisions
In recent studies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 13,000 fatalities from multi-vehicle accidents involving passenger cars. In Colorado, studies in 2019 showed that over 200 deaths were accounted for in multi-car accidents. 47% of the fatalities from car crashes that occurred that year were due to multi-car accidents. If you have been involved in a multi-car accident and have suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to another driver’s actions, an experienced Colorado car accident lawyer can help you prove who is at fault in your case.
Determining Fault in a 3-Way Car Crash
When car accidents occur, many factors determine who is at fault. Insurance companies may prove fault for every driver involved in the accident for a multi-vehicle collision. However, this is not always the case, as one or two drivers may be at fault.
Insurance companies may always try to reject your claim or use various tactics to minimize the compensation owed to you. Consult with a skilled car accident lawyer to work with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you’re making the right moves when it comes to your claim.
Who May Be Responsible for a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
Different factors are considered when multiple cars are involved in a single accident since more than one part may be at fault. Proving negligence in a Colorado car accident may be tricky since there are different types of negligence according to the law. Since Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state, finding the percentage of fault for each driver is significant in determining negligence.
Here are the types of negligence:
- Contributory Negligence: Some states follow the rule that If one party is at least 1% at fault, regardless of the type of collision, no compensation will be given to other drivers if they share fault.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: Some states follow this rule, which states that the amount of compensation is affected by the percentage of fault in an accident.
- Modified Comparative Negligence: In states like Colorado, two types of negligence fall under this category, and the percentage of fault plays a significant role in responsibility.
- 50-Percent Rule: A driver determined to have less than 50% fault in an accident may seek compensation for their injuries. If a driver in the collision has at least 50% fault, they cannot claim any compensation.
- 51-Percent Rule: The injured driver is entitled to compensation if they are 50% or less responsible in an accident, whether a single or multi-vehicle collision.
Speaking to an experienced legal attorney may help you understand your rights and the applicable laws for your car accident case. If you have suffered injuries in an accident, you have the right to seek compensation and recover damages.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim after a Multi-Car Accident
Multi-vehicle collisions are frightening and can cause a variety of injuries. In a three-way car accident, anyone may sustain whiplash, head, neck, and back injuries, as well as others. In severe accidents, serious injury, nerve damage, and life-altering damage may also occur.
The damage you have sustained, costly medical bills, time away from work, and other life changes resulting from a multiple car collision may be compensated by filing an injury claim. Consulting with a Denver personal injury lawyer can help you review all aspects of your case and determine your options.
Contact Mintz Law Firm in Colorado for Skilled Legal Representation in a Multi-Car Accident Case
Car accident lawyers are skilled at helping clients understand how an accident occurs. At Mintz Law Firm, our qualified car accident lawyer can help you gather the information needed in your case to prove fault on the part of the liable parties. You do not have to seek compensation for any injuries or a personal injury claim on your own. Contact our law firm by filling out our contact form or give us a call at (303) 462-2999 to schedule your free consultation.