How Fault Works in a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Chicago

Multi-car accidents can be complex, leaving victims wondering if they will be held liable in spite of their adherence to the law leading up to the incident. It is understandable that victims would worry about being held wrongfully liable in these complex situations.

In a multi-car crash, an experienced car, truck and motorcycle accident attorney is important to have on your side to demonstrate your innocence. When it comes to proving which parties are responsible for specific actions leading to a Chicago multi-vehicle accident, there are a number of steps your trusted attorney will need to take.

What are the five steps to establish liability in a multi-car crash in Chicago?

1. Analyzing police reports: As mentioned above, your trusted Chicago accident injury attorney relies on police reports, as they contain an official accounting of the details regarding the accident. These reports typically include statements from the involved parties, preliminary assessments of fault, and any traffic violations noted by the responding officers. Lawyers look critically at these reports to uncover any discrepancies or errors for use as supporting evidence in determining the liability in your multi-car accident.
2. Investigating the accident scene: To build a strong case, lawyers begin their investigation by thoroughly examining the accident scene. Aside from reviewing the Chicago accident report, experienced legal counsel may visit the location to gather further evidence, including skid marks, road conditions and any other relevant physical evidence that may have been left behind. All of this is to build a clearer context of what led to the accident.
3. Collecting eyewitness testimonies: Eyewitness testimonies, found in the official police report, are important when determining liability in multi-car accidents. Lawyers will interview witnesses who were present at the accident scene and dig into their perspective of what led to the accident. These statements can help reconstruct the sequence of events and identify any evidently negligent behavior or violations committed by any driver involved.
4. Examining surveillance footage: Your Chicago car accident lawyer will strive to acquire and analyze surveillance footage from businesses with cameras that are likely to have captured the events leading up to the accident or the accident itself. This video evidence can reveal important details about driver actions, event sequences and traffic law violations, aiding in determining liability.
5. Obtaining vehicle data: Lawyers can collaborate with specialists to extract and analyze data from vehicle event data recorders event data recorders (EDRs). These “black boxes,” often found in modern cars, contain data, including speed, braking and acceleration patterns, serving as objective evidence of a driver's actions, assisting in establishing liability.

Additionally, lawyers may consult accident reconstruction experts and gather medical records and expert opinions to strengthen the case and establish the link between the accident and the injuries sustained. As a victim, you can aid your Chicago personal injury attorney by providing any relevant information, going in for a medical examination, even if your injuries feel mild, and sharing any documentation or evidence related to the accident.

Is there anything I can do if I am still at the accident scene when I am reading this?

If you're physically able after your Chicago multi-car accident, there are important steps you can take to help protect your rights. First, call 9-1-1. Next, after assessing your own well-being and that of the passengers in your vehicle, if there are onlookers around the scene of the accident, calmly ask them if they are willing to provide their eyewitness account of the incident. If so, gather their information by obtaining their contact details and full legal names. Make sure to inform the police about their presence, once they arrive, so these witnesses can be included in the official Illinois accident report.

It is a good idea to document the scene thoroughly without disturbing any evidence. Taking photos and videos of the vehicles involved, their damage, skid marks, and traffic signals, can potentially provide your lawyer with useful context surrounding your complex multi-car accident. Please note, even though you will have this compelling footage on your phone, it is important that you do not share it on social media. Once something is posted, it is on record and the post and all of its related interactions can be used against you in court.

Dealing with a multi-vehicle accident claim is complex. Having a skilled attorney by your side can significantly improve your chances of not being held liable and furthermore receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced Chicagoland attorney will also navigate the complexities insurance companies present and fight for a fair settlement. For these reasons and many more, choose experience with the team of accident and injury attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we proudly represent injury and accident victims across the Chicagoland area. It is in our DNA to provide tenacious and experienced legal counsel to our Chicago neighbors. Please review our client testimonials and see how we can help you.

Demonstrating fault for a multi-car accident is a complex process, but we are well equipped to handle this challenge, allowing you some peace of mind as you pick up the pieces after your accident. Contact us by calling or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.