Who Is at Fault in a Multi-car Accident? Iowa Car Accidents Explained

When a multi-vehicle accident occurs, it's complex to determine who the at-fault driver is. This kind of crash often takes place because one mistake triggers a series of collisions.

That level of confusion makes it more difficult for victims to seek compensation through the insurance company or by suing the other drivers. Here is where a car accident lawyer comes in handy. However, it's still important to understand how this process works.

This page will explain who is liable in a multi-vehicle car accident and the factors used to determine fault. Regardless of that, anyone with specific questions about the legal aspects of a crash should always contact an attorney.

Victims of a multi-vehicle collision in Des Moines, Iowa, can count on Tom Fowler Law. This firm has years of experience and has won millions for its clients. People can call it at (515) 203-8434 to schedule a free consultation. They can discuss who is at fault in an intersection car accident Iowa as well.

What Is Considered a Multi-car Accident?

Multiple vehicle accidents are crashes where three or more drivers are part of a collision. They can happen in many ways, but they normally come from a chain reaction.

The perfect example of an accident where multiple drivers are involved is when a car collides with another and causes a series of crashes. This is important for Iowa drivers because the state follows a modified comparative fault system.

According to Iowa law, all the vehicles involved in a crash can be found liable for it, as there can be many people at fault for personal injuries. Generally, everyone is responsible for their injuries. The only exception is when someone is 51% or more liable for what happened.

Who Is Liable in a Multi-car Accident in Iowa?

It's complex to determine who is liable after a multiple-car accident. Why? Because they all can happen for different reasons. The number of drivers involved in these crashes allows for unlimited scenarios to happen.

Nevertheless, the goal of this page is to make it clear to the reader who can be liable in chain reaction car accidents. Below, they will find three common examples of these crashes.

Tailgating

Whether it's a rear-end collision or a sideswipe, many car accidents happen because cars drive too close to each other. In the following example, driver A stops abruptly for a red light.

After car A does that, B, who was following too closely, rear-ends them. Unfortunately, driver C was unable to stop in time, which made them crash B's vehicle.

Here, driver A may hold some of the responsibility for the crash for stopping suddenly, but the liability will mostly fall upon B. The reason for that is that they didn't leave enough space to stop safely.

As for driver C, their liability in the case would depend on their speed and the following distance they had from car B.

Reckless Swerving

Recklessly swerving is one of the most dangerous things drivers can do. If someone proves a car involved in a crash did that, they will be in a bad position to face a personal injury claim.

In the following example, driver A swerves into another lane to avoid hitting something. Car B was speeding, which made it crash into A. Right after, driver C, who was tailgating B, crashes into them.

If they had a legitimate reason to swerve, driver A wouldn't be at fault for the accident. B, on the other hand, will be primarily liable for speeding. The liability of car C, again, depends on their speed and gap with the other vehicles.

Weather-Related Crashes

Sometimes, rear-end accidents and multi-car collisions are influenced by external factors, such as weather. This doesn't mean drivers are not at fault for them.

In adverse weather conditions, such as snow or fog, cars must adjust their speed to the circumstances. Driver A, for example, had poor visibility but didn't slow down. That made them crash with car B. Because of that, the second vehicle collided with C.

Here, drivers B and C are victims of the situation. Car A would hold all the liability for the multi-vehicle crash and wouldn't be eligible for compensation.

Who Gets Compensation in a Multi-car Accident?

Due to its modified comparative fault system, Iowa has a different way of distributing compensation to other states. People can still file personal injury claims, but they generally are responsible for the accidents they get into. A Des Moines auto accident law firm may be able to advise.

Liability insurance pays for most crashes, and drivers are required to carry it. If the other driver's coverage is not enough for the accident, they would have to ask their own insurance company for compensation.

All drivers involved in a crash can get compensation unless they are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident.

Factors to Understand to Determine Fault in a Multi-car Accident

The driver's behavior before the crash is fundamental to determining the level of responsibility they hold for an accident. If they were, for example, driving under the influence, it would be difficult for them to build a strong case.

Drivers tailgating or failing to yield will almost always be more liable than others. The same happens if they are speeding or distracted. Personal injury attorneys must investigate what triggered the initial chain of events. They can also share insight on who is at fault in a head-on car accident Iowa.

Wrapping Up

In a multi-car accident, determining fault can be challenging due to the complex nature of these crashes. Whether caused by tailgating, reckless driving, or external factors, the events that trigger a chain reaction can affect how liability is assigned.

It's crucial to understand the specific circumstances of each driver’s behavior, especially when determining compensation. Victims of multi-vehicle collisions should consult a skilled attorney to navigate the legal process and ensure they receive fair compensation.

The lawyers from Tom Fowler Law are ready to assess all the evidence and determine each party’s role in the crash. They will help clarify liability and protect the rights of those involved. Victims in Des Moines, Iowa, can call to schedule a free case evaluation with them.