Multi-Vehicle Accidents

People who drive erratically often lose control of their cars and crash into other vehicles. In many instances, the initial impact triggers a series of events that leads to a multi-vehicle accident. Collisions involving multiple cars often cause widespread damages, and in many cases, it is not readily ascertainable who is responsible and to what degree. If you were hurt in a crash involving more than two vehicles, you might be able to pursue claims against multiple parties, and you should consult a lawyer. The knowledgeable Florida attorneys of Cardoso Law, PLLC, are adept at handling the complexities of lawsuits arising out of multi-vehicle accidents, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly to help you prove another party is responsible for your losses. Our office is located in Pensacola, and we regularly help parties in car accident cases in cities throughout Florida.

Multi-vehicle collisions often arise due to the carelessness of more than one motorist. For example, a driver that is speeding or traveling too fast for the current weather conditions may lose control and rear-end a second motorist. If the second motorist is following a third car too closely, the initial impact may cause the second car to collide with the third car. Additionally, if a driver suddenly changes lanes without warning, it may cause a second driver to stop abruptly, which can result in a multi-car pileup. In some cases, an oncoming driver may fail to notice cars stopped due to an initial collision, and may be unable to change lanes or slow down in time to avoid striking them.

Typically, in a lawsuit arising out of a car accident, the plaintiff will argue that the defendant drove in a negligent manner. Establishing liability for negligence requires a plaintiff to show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty, which in most cases is the obligation to act with reasonable care or abide by a law regarding the operation of motor vehicles. The plaintiff then must show that the defendant breached the duty. Finally, the plaintiff must establish causation and damages, which requires offering evidence that the plaintiff suffered actual harm that would not have occurred but for the defendant’s behavior.

In cases involving multi-vehicle accidents, the claims the plaintiffs assert are generally the same, but the process of proving negligence is more complicated than in a case involving one defendant. For example, both defendants may attempt to avoid liability by assigning blame to one another. Further, there are often multiple people hurt in such collisions, and in many cases, the injured parties may be partially responsible for the accident as well. Fortunately, under Florida’s pure comparative fault law, a plaintiff that is deemed partially at fault for an accident may still recover damages. Any compensation awarded will be reduced in proportion to the negligence attributed to the plaintiff, though. For example, if a jury awards a plaintiff $100,000 but finds the plaintiff bears 30% of the responsibility for causing the collision, the plaintiff will only recover $70,000.

Numerous drivers are often at fault in multi-vehicle accidents, and establishing each party’s liability can be challenging. If you were injured in a collision with multiple cars, it is in your best interest to speak to a lawyer about what damages you may be able to recover. The trusted Florida car accident attorneys of Cardoso Law, PLLC have the skills and experience needed to achieve favorable outcomes, and if you hire us, we will work diligently to help you pursue compensation from the parties responsible for your harm. Our office is in Pensacola, and we frequently help people hurt in car accidents in Pensacola, Ferry Pass, West Pensacola, Cantonment, Brent, Bellview, Century, Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville. We represent parties in personal injury lawsuits in cities in Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Okaloosa Counties and throughout Florida as well. You can reach us at (850) 466-2073 or through the online form to set up a conference.