Determining who is at fault in a multi-car accident can be tricky as the fault may lie with more than one driver. Insurance companies in California have a process whereby they attempt to determine which driver is at fault.
Insurance companies protect their own customers
Determining the sequence of events in multi-car motor vehicle accidents is crucial to determining who is at fault. Police are called to the scene to make a detailed report, which might include conflicting statements from witnesses. Insurance industry associations encourage insurers to take care of their own customers, meaning if there is any doubt that you may be the cause of a multi-vehicle accident, you may have difficulty recovering compensation from the other drivers’ insurance company.
What should you do after a multi-car accident?
As with any motor vehicle accident, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with all pertinent information about the accident. However, problems can arise if you are a victim of a “crash for cash” scheme.” A driver might deliberately brake in these instances, causing the vehicle behind to crash into the first vehicle. The driver that crashes into the stopped vehicle is usually deemed at fault.
How to fight possible “crash for cash” accidents
If you believe you have been a victim of a “crash for cash,” pay strict attention to all of the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the number of passengers in other vehicles involved. In such incidents, phantom passengers may show up later, claiming injury.
Try to find several independent witnesses who can corroborate what happened. You may be able to prove your innocence or the guilt of the other parties involved.