Navigating Multi-Vehicle Accident Claims in Washington State

When three or more vehicles are involved in a mutli-vehicle accident in Washington state, drivers and passengers may suffer severe, catastrophic, injuries. Determining who is at fault for causing a multi-vehicle accident can be complicated. With multiple parties involved, there are many opportunities for insurance adjusters to try to avoid liability by ‘pointing the finger’ at another driver.

Recovering the compensation you deserve after a multi-vehicle accident requires a thoughtful approach, a thorough investigation, and a careful analysis of the evidence. Police reports, eyewitness statements, photographs, videos, and reports from accident reconstruction experts should be evaluated with an eye toward Washington’s personal injury liability laws and comparative fault system.

If you were injured in a multi-vehicle accident in Washington state, Herron Law Office, PLLC, can handle your personal injury claim while you focus on healing, recovery, and getting your life back in order. Led by Washington personal injury attorney Brett B. Herron, our commitment to seeking justice for our clients never wavers.

Contact our law office today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents are often serious and can cause severe personal injuries or even the death of those involved. Common causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:

• Distracted Driving. Accidents caused by distracted driving, most notably due to cell phone use or texting while driving, have continued to increase. A driver who does not devote their full attention to the road is at greater risk of causing a serious car crash.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving. Speeding and other aggressive driving practices increase the likelihood of a driver losing control of their vehicle and being involved in a severe car crash.
• Driving While Impaired. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows driver reaction time and can lead to a serious car crash.
• Vehicle Malfunction. Brake failure, a tire blowout, and other vehicle malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and result in a serious car accident.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance. Failure to properly maintain a vehicle can result in poor vehicle response that can cause a driver to lose control.

Proving Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Washington

To establish legal liability, an injured person must prove that another driver: (1) owed them a duty of care; (2) breached that duty; (3) that breach caused their injuries; and (4) they suffered damages as a result.

Unlike a ‘typical’ car accident involving two vehicles, proving liability in a multi-vehicle accident in Washington presents unique challenges. Establishing liability in a multi-vehicle accident is more complicated because:

• Liability May Be Unclear. Establishing liability in a multi-vehicle accident can be challenging. Numerous vehicles are involved and any or all of them may have played a role in causing the crash.
• Multiple Insurance Policies. Numerous drivers are involved in a complex accident claim, and each has their own insurance policy which may provide coverage. Each insurance policy comes with its own set of limits and exclusions and its own insurance adjuster whose job is to help their policyholder avoid liability.
• Liability, Injuries, and Damages Are Often Complex. Multi-vehicle accidents are often serious and the injuries suffered can be severe. Injured victims may need to present evidence and testimony from multiple expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and others.
• A Lengthy Legal Process. With so many people involved in a complex accident claim, resolving a claim for damages can take months or even years. Gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, determining fault and damages, and navigating the legal system all take time and contribute to the length of a complex accident claim.

Because many factors can potentially come into play in a multi-vehicle car accident, proving liability can be challenging. Herron Law Office can analyze the crash and investigate the cause(s) of the accident to determine who was at fault. A typical investigation involves:

• A careful review of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, tire tracks and skid marks, signage, road conditions, traffic conditions, and other details.
• Detailed analysis of witness statements.
• Evaluation of photographs, videos, traffic camera footage, and other evidence.
• Reviewing police reports from officers who responded to the scene.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to analyze driver behavior in the minutes and seconds leading up to the crash.
• A careful evaluation of the victim’s medical records and reports from treating physicians to determine the cause of the victim’s injuries.

In some cases, one driver is responsible for causing a multi-vehicle pile up. In others, multiple drivers share responsibility for causing a car crash.

Comparative Fault in Complex Accident Claims in Washington

Washington applies a pure comparative fault system, which compares each party’s percentage of fault and reduces each party’s financial recovery by the percentage of fault attributed to them. A driver in Washington state can recover compensation for their injuries even if they were 99% at fault for causing the crash, but the amount of their compensation would be reduced by their percentage of blame.

How Herron Law Office Can Help

Navigating Washington’s comparative fault laws in a complex accident claim can be challenging, and there are pitfalls for the unwary. With extensive litigation, arbitration, and trial experience, Brett B. Herron knows Washington personal injury law and is proud to help his clients recover the compensation they deserve when an accident causes personal injuries.

Contact Herron Law Office Today

With offices located in Burien and Bellevue, Herron Law Office, PLLC is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to people injured in car accidents throughout the state of Washington. To schedule an appointment, contact our law office today by calling (425) 600-2580.