In the realm of personal injury law, determining fault in multi-vehicle collisions is a complex process. This complexity arises from the multiple parties involved, each with their own perspective on the incident.
This blog aims to shed light on the legal aspects surrounding liability and compensation in such cases, and why it’s a good idea to hire a Duluth car accident attorney if you’ve been involved in such a crash.
The Concept of Negligence
In Georgia, as in most states, the concept of negligence plays a pivotal role in determining fault in a car accident. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. In the context of multi-vehicle collisions, establishing negligence can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple drivers.
Comparative Fault System
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault system. Under this system, a party can recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault. The amount of compensation they receive is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Fault in Multi-Vehicle Collisions
In multi-vehicle collisions, determining fault involves a thorough investigation. This may include reviewing police reports, analyzing physical evidence from the accident scene, and interviewing witnesses. Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists may also be used to establish the sequence of events leading to the collision.
For instance, if a car A is deemed to be 10% at fault, car B is 30% at fault, and car C bears 60% of the fault, Georgia’s laws will allow the insurance companies to reduce car A and B’s compensation by those percentages while car C will not be able to claim any compensation as it bears more than 50% of the fault.
Liability and Compensation
Once fault has been determined, the at-fault party’s insurance company is typically responsible for compensating the injured parties. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
However, if the at-fault party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover all damages, injured parties may need to seek compensation from their own insurance companies under their underinsured motorist coverage.
Will I Be Compensated From Numerous Insurance Companies?
If there are numerous parties liable for the injuries you sustained, a claim will have to be filed with more than one insurance company. Your car accident attorney will compile all documents required for a claim to be submitted.
After the claims have been evaluated the attorney will proceed with negotiations with all the insurance companies in order to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. If a specific insurance policy has reached its payout limit you will be able to recover the remaining balance from another policy.
Reach Out to a Duluth Car Crash Attorney
Navigating the legal landscape of multi-vehicle collisions in Georgia can be a daunting task. It involves understanding intricate laws and procedures, gathering and analyzing evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies.
Therefore, it is advisable for individuals involved in such accidents to seek legal counsel from a Duluth car accident lawyer with The Weinstein Law Firm. Contact us at 770-HELP-NOW to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
