The hustle and bustle of California's roadways, particularly in the densely populated counties of Napa and Solano, create a dynamic environment where accidents, unfortunately, are not uncommon. With so many vehicles on the road, the potential for collisions multiplies, and when several cars are involved, determining fault can become a complex and challenging task. If you’re hurt in an accident, you need to establish that another driver was at fault in order to recover damages.

California adheres to a pure comparative negligence system, which means that each driver involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of liability. This system stands in contrast to contributory negligence, where a driver's claim is barred entirely if they are found to be even one-percent at fault.

Determining fault in these scenarios is based on investigations by insurance companies and victims’ attorneys. Factors such as witness accounts, police reports, traffic cameras and tire skid marks help piece together the sequence of events.

In multi-car pileups, the actions of multiple drivers may have contributed to the chain reaction of events. The initial incident, often a rear-end collision, can trigger a domino effect, with each subsequent impact potentially involving more parties. The driver who caused the initial collision may bear the brunt of the fault, while others involved in the ensuing impacts may be assigned a smaller percentages of fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance or not reacting appropriately to the unfolding situation.

The allocation of fault in multi-car accidents can have a significant effect on the amount of compensation a victim can receive in an insurance claim or, if necessary, at trial.

To navigate the complexities of multi-car accident claims, it is essential to seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, assess the evidence and advocate for your best interests to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC, with offices in Vallejo and Fairfield-Suisun, we work with auto accident victims and aim to hold liable parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused due to negligence. If you were hurt in a multi-car pileup, reach out to our North Bay firm today by calling 707-674-6057 or contacting us online.