How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Prove Fault in Complex Cases

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Prove Fault in Complex Cases

Car accidents can turn lives upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, the aftermath is often filled with confusion and stress. One of the most critical aspects of navigating this chaos is proving fault. This task can feel overwhelming, though, for accident victims who are already dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma.

An experienced car accident attorney can be your ally in these challenging situations – armed with the knowledge and skill to sift through evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ultimately help you establish fault where it may not be immediately apparent. With the legal guidance of such a personal injury lawyer, you stand a better chance of securing fair compensation for your losses.

At Hill & Moin LLP, we understand how daunting this process can be for those involved in motor vehicle accidents in New York City. Our car accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Let us explore how legal representation is crucial in proving fault after a complicated car accident.

What Makes a New York Car Accident Case Complex?

New York’s comparative fault laws are designed to allocate responsibility among parties involved in an accident and adjust compensation based on their level of fault.

Comparative fault, also known as comparative negligence, is a legal principle used to determine how blame is shared among individuals involved in an accident. This means each party can be assigned a percentage of fault, and the amount of compensation you can receive is reduced according to your amount of shared responsibility.

After an accident, an assessment is made to determine how much fault each party bears. For example, if you were speeding but the other driver ran a red light, both actions are evaluated to determine their contributions to the accident.

Each party is given a percentage of fault based on their actions. For instance, if you are found to be 40 percent responsible for the accident and the other driver is 60 percent responsible, you may only receive up to 40 percent of compensation.

For a seemingly minor car accident, determining fault may appear simple and straightforward. Yet, some car accident cases can be trickier than expected. Let us explore several scenarios in which establishing fault can be complex and how a personal injury lawyer can handle the complications.

Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles

Accidents involving multiple vehicles are among the most complex and devastating types of motor vehicle accidents. These types of collisions can result in extensive property damage, serious injury, and fatalities.

Sometimes a single event, such as a sudden stop or collision, triggers a chain reaction. For example, if a car abruptly stops on a highway, the car behind may rear-end it, causing a domino effect of other collisions with following vehicles.

Pile-ups typically occur on highways or freeways and involve multiple vehicles crashing into one another. These accidents can result in significant pile-ups, cars stacked up on each other.

Why do multi-car accidents happen?

Several factors that may contribute to multi-car accidents are:

• Drivers not paying attention to the road may fail to notice slowing or stopped traffic ahead, leading to chain reactions
• Speeding, brake-checking, tailgating, and sudden lane changes can increase the likelihood of multi-car collisions
• Fog, rain, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and road traction, making it difficult for drivers to stop in time
• Heavy traffic increases the chances of rear-end collisions, which can quickly escalate into multi-car accidents
• Debris, potholes, and other road hazards can cause drivers to lose control and collide with multiple vehicles

Why is it difficult to prove fault in multi-car accidents?

Proving liability in multi-car accidents, also known as chain reactions or pile-ups, can be exceptionally challenging. Note the following reasons why establishing fault in these types of accidents is usually difficult.

Multiple parties involved

With multiple accounts of how the accident occurred, determining who is primarily at fault can be convoluted. Each driver may have a different perspective or recollection of events, leading to conflicting statements.

Complex accident scenes

The nature of multi-car accidents can often be a tangled mess of vehicles and debris. This makes it challenging to piece together a clear and accurate sequence of events. The accident scene can be chaotic, with vehicles scattered in different directions and extensive property damage, complicating the task of accident reconstruction.

Chain reaction dynamics

Figuring out the precise sequence of events and identifying the initial at-fault driver can be particularly difficult in a chain reaction. Each collision in the chain may have contributing factors from different drivers, further complicating fault determination.

Insurance complications

In multi-car accidents, multiple insurance companies may be involved, each representing different drivers. Each provider will conduct its own investigation, and conflicts of interest may occur. Negotiating with multiple insurers can be a complex and prolonged process, with each party attempting to minimize their liability.

Defensive actions by drivers

In multi-car accidents, some drivers may take defensive actions to avoid the collision, such as swerving or braking suddenly. These actions, while intended to prevent a crash, can inadvertently contribute to an accident. Determining the reasonableness and impact of these defensive maneuvers adds another layer of complexity to fault determination.

Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents involve vehicles operating under the umbrella of rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. These accidents can occur while a driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a customer. Each scenario has different implications for insurance coverage and liability.

The cause of rideshare accidents

The following are just a few factors that may contribute to a rideshare accident:

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers rely heavily on their smartphones for navigation, communication with passengers, and managing ride requests. This dependence on technology can lead to distracted driving, which is a leading cause of accidents. Drivers may be looking at their phones instead of the road, causing them to miss traffic signals, pedestrians, or sudden changes in traffic conditions.

• Fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, sometimes late into the night or early in the morning, to maximize their earnings. This can lead to driver fatigue, which impairs reaction times, decision-making abilities, and overall alertness. Fatigue-related accidents are particularly common among rideshare drivers who balance multiple jobs or drive during peak hours when they are most tired.

• Inexperience: Some rideshare companies have minimal requirements for driver experience, leading to a diverse range of driving skills among their drivers. Some rideshare drivers may be relatively inexperienced or unfamiliar with the areas they are driving in, which can lead to navigation errors and unsafe driving practices. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, especially in high-traffic or complex driving environments.

• Poor vehicle maintenance: Rideshare drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, but not all drivers adhere to regular maintenance schedules. Poor vehicle maintenance, such as worn-out tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning lights, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.

What parties may be held liable?

Liability in rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, making these car accident cases particularly complex.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Rideshare driver: If the driver was negligent, he or she could be held liable for the accident. This includes behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
• Rideshare company: Depending on the driver’s status, the rideshare company’s insurance policy might cover the accident. A rideshare company may have substantial policies that can provide coverage in these situations.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a defect in the rideshare vehicle or another involved vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be held liable.

When Dangerous Behavior Causes an Accident

Car accidents can be devastating, especially when they involve drunk driving, reckless behavior, or aggressive driving. Proving fault in these complex cases requires thorough investigation.

To prove fault, a car accident lawyer may:

• Gather evidence: The lawyer can obtain police reports and arrest records that show the at-fault driver was under the influence. Lawyers may also collect blood alcohol content (BAC) test results and witness statements.
• Request accident reconstruction experts: These experts are qualified to recreate the accident scene using evidence and data. They can thus show how the accident played out, demonstrating the actions of the drunk, reckless, or aggressive driver.
• Talk to toxicology experts: In car accident cases of drunk driving, toxicology experts can provide evidence of the driver’s impairment at the time of the accident.

These are just a few examples of complex car accidents that can make unraveling liability a challenge. Now, let us see how personal injury attorneys can establish fault.

Holding the Right Parties Responsible for Your Car Accident Injuries

If you are facing the aftermath of an accident, a car accident lawyer can establish fault and build a strong case on your behalf. Here are several ways a car accident lawyer can help prove fault in complex cases.

Investigation and evidence gathering

One of the primary roles of a car accident attorney is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident.

The investigation process involves:

• Collecting accident reports and police reports: These documents provide crucial details about the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and any traffic violations noted by the responding officers.
• Interviewing witnesses: Statements from witnesses may offer valuable perspectives on the events leading up to the motor vehicle accident. A personal injury lawyer can identify and interview witnesses to corroborate the victim’s account.
• Obtaining medical records: Medical records and expert testimony can link injuries to the car accident, demonstrating the impact of the crash on the victim’s health.

Utilizing expert witnesses

With everything from a minor car accident to a more serious car accident, expert witnesses could play a pivotal role in establishing fault.

Car accident lawyers often work with:

• Accident reconstruction experts: These professionals use evidence from the accident scene, vehicle damage, and witness statements to recreate the events leading to the crash. Their analysis can be crucial in demonstrating how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
• Medical experts: Medical experts can testify about the extent and cause of the victim’s injuries, linking them directly to the accident. This testimony can be vital in proving the severity of the injuries and the need for compensation.
• Engineering experts: In cases involving vehicle defects or poor road conditions, engineering experts can provide insights into how these factors contributed to the accident.

Requirements for Proving Negligence in Car Accident Cases

Proving negligence is essential for establishing fault after a car accident. You must show that another party’s lack of care caused the accident and your injuries by establishing the following.

Duty of care

First, you must show that the other driver(s) owed you a duty of care. In the context of driving, all drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.

Breach of duty

Next, you need to demonstrate that the other driver(s) breached this duty. Examples of breaching duty include:

• Speeding: Driving faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions increases a person’s chances of having a serious auto accident
• Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive forms of driving, such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, or other forms of reckless driving, may result in a car crash
• Drunk driving: Drunk driving accidents are caused when an individual operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol

Causation

You must show that the other driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident. This involves connecting the breach (e.g., speeding or distracted driving) to the collision and your injuries.

Damages

Finally, you need to prove that you suffered damages as a result of the accident.

Economic and non-economic damages can include:

• Medical expenses: Costs for treating your car accident injuries, including physical therapy for serious injuries
• Lost wages: Even if you had a minor accident, you may experience lost wages due to being unable to work
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or any property damaged in the motor vehicle accident
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress

Even your own insurance company may complicate matters by disputing your insurance claim or offering insufficient compensation. Additionally, the serious injury threshold must be met to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Therefore, clearly establishing fault and proving damages can help you successfully seek compensation.

Get the Support You Need After a New York Car Accident

When navigating the aftermath of a car accident, proving fault can be one of the most challenging aspects. Car accident cases that involve multiple parties, conflicting stories, and intricate details can be difficult for an individual to establish liability on their own.

But you don’t have to prove fault alone. The experienced car accident attorneys of Hill & Moin can help you pursue a car accident claim. With our legal team on your side, you won’t just have representation; you’ll have a dedicated ally negotiating with insurance companies and defending any counterclaims.

Let us help you secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Complete our online contact form or call (212) 668-6000. We’re ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for you.

Don’t wonder about your rights!