Drivers in Oklahoma may be wondering how they can establish fault after a multi-vehicle crash. While this may largely be the work of investigators, it is still beneficial to know the basics about it. First of all, it requires all kinds of evidence, including physical finding at the crash site, such as vehicle debris and skid marks; the findings that the police put down in their report; and eyewitness testimony.
Since most multi-vehicle crashes are a series of rear-end collisions, it may help to consider a these hypothetically. Driver A, at the front, is driving safely but has to brake suddenly to avoid a danger. Driver B, who is speeding or following too closely, hits Driver A through his or her own fault. Then Driver C, who may also have been negligent, hits Driver B, causing more damage to Driver A’s car as a result.
In this case, Driver A can hold both Drivers B and C liable. Even Driver B may pursue a claim against Driver B since in this state, contributory negligence does not bar one entirely from recovery unless it is greater than the defendant’s. On the other hand, if a negligent Driver C hits a blameless Driver B, then Driver B is not responsible for hitting Driver A. Only Driver C is at fault.
Even car accidents that involve just two cars can create complications from a legal perspective, which is why those victims who wish to file a third-party insurance claim may want a lawyer for advice and guidance. Once the evidence has been gathered and the degrees of fault established, there is the challenge of negotiating for a settlement out of court. If auto insurance companies will not pay out a reasonable sum, then the time comes for a trial.