Who is At Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Tennessee?

Determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle pileup is crucial in protecting your right to compensation and damages. If you were involved in this type of accident, you must secure the representation of a knowledgeable legal professional. Read on and contact a skilled Memphis car accident lawyer to set up your free case evaluation today.

What is a Multi-Vehicle Pileup Accident?

A multi-vehicle pileup, more commonly referred to as simply a pileup, is a type of auto accident involving three or more vehicles. In a typical car crash, two vehicles collide with one another, or a vehicle collides with another object. However, sometimes one collision can trigger additional crashes.

Common causes of pileups include congestion, fog or rain causing low visibility, tailgating, speeding, distracted driving, and sudden lane changes. For example, suppose you are driving on a major interstate highway when the car in your neighboring lane suddenly swerves in front of you. You brake, but it is too late, and you rear-end the vehicle. If the car behind you is following too closely, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid colliding with your car. The vehicle behind them may have been texting and not have noticed the sudden stop, resulting in yet another impact. This type of situation is known as a multi-vehicle pileup.

Is Tennessee a No-Fault Accident State?

Pileup accidents can be simplified in no-fault accident states, as each driver’s own insurance covers expenses related to personal injuries. There is less importance placed on determining liability in these states. However, Tennessee is a fault state when it comes to car accidents, meaning that the at-fault driver pays for damages. Assigning fault is crucial when it comes to collisions in Tennessee, especially when there are multiple vehicles involved.

Who is At Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Pileup in TN?

Pileups are more complicated than regular accidents. Multiple drivers, varying injuries, different insurance companies, and other factors can make liability harder to determine. Anyone involved can be held responsible for the accident, and fault is determined through the thorough evaluation of a variety of evidence. The police, accident reconstruction specialists, and insurance adjusters will evaluate the scene of the incident, skid marks, the position of the vehicles, surveillance footage, weather reports, and witness statements to get a clear picture of what happened.

It is important to understand that fault is often shared, and more than one driver can be found liable. Tennessee law allows fault to be split among several defendants.

How Does Comparative Negligence Impact a Case?

Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that each party involved can share fault based on their actions. Each driver can be assigned a percentage of liability depending on the circumstances. This is important in a multi-vehicle pileup, as there may be multiple people responsible for causing the secondary collisions.

Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages, given that you are49% or less responsible. The compensation you are entitled to will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% liable and your damages are $10,000, you may only receive $8,000.

Multi-vehicle pileups can be complex, so it is important to secure the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Reach out to Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, PC to discuss your situation today.