Earlier this month, two people were killed in a three-car accident near the Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. At 6pm on a weekday, one car was headed westbound on East Broad Street. The driver tried to turn into Mount Carmel East, striking a pickup truck traveling eastbound at the intersection. The resulting crash pushed the first car into a third car, which was stopped at the traffic light. Two of the first vehicle’s passengers died, and the driver is in critical condition. The other drivers escaped with lesser injuries.
When a multi-car accident like this occurs, determining fault can be complicated. Working with a skilled personal injury firm like the Law Offices of Tim Misny is the key to recovering maximum compensation available for injuries and wrongful deaths. Here’s a quick overview of how fault is determined in multi-car accidents.
Determining liability in multi-car accidents
Multi-vehicle car accident investigations determine who acted negligently. Because Ohio is a comparative negligence state, plaintiffs must show that they were less than 50 percent at fault, or they will not be able to recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
Proving a driver at fault is easier when there is credible eyewitness testimony, dashcam footage or surveillance video. Unfortunately, that evidence isn’t available in every car accident case. Every car accident case is unique, so investigators and legal counsel must review what is available—whether that’s photos of the damage, photos from the scene, accident reconstructions or other evidence—to make their determination.
What to do if you’re in a multi-car accident
If you’re involved in a multiple vehicle accident, and your injuries allow for it, document the scene and what you remember as much as possible. Documenting your experience and taking photos of the scene, the damage to all vehicles, the weather conditions, and your injuries can be compelling evidence for your case.
Be sure to call law enforcement and request a copy of the police report for your records. If the report does not accurately document your experience, your attorney will recommend appropriate strategies for dealing with the problem. Try to get eyewitness contact information whenever practical and available, and seek medical attention immediately. Failing to get checked out could give an insurer or jury the impression that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, even if they manifest hours or days later.
Finally, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. Multi-car accidents can be devastating, and you need experienced legal representation for best results.
Call a Columbus personal injury lawyer today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your car accident case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.