How Is Fault Determined in a Multi-Car Accident in Richmond?

Under Virginia laws, the victims of car accidents in the Commonwealth can file a compensation claim. The defendant to the claim will be the party at fault for the accident or their insurer. This means the first step to any compensation claim process is identifying the party at fault. Consulting an accident attorney in Richmond, VA, can make things easier.

This is especially true in cases referring to multi-car accidents. All the parties involved are likely to blame the accident on someone else. Why? Liability can mean higher insurance premiums and difficulties in recovering their own losses. For those who are uninsured, it may even mean facing a civil court trial.

Under the circumstances, it is unlikely for anyone to step forward and say they caused the accident. Chances are everyone will pretend everything happened too fast for them to have time to notice anything. Finding out how everything happened will be the job of several parties.

Who Determines Fault in a Multi-Car Accident or Why Work with an Accident Attorney in Richmond, VA

When an accident occurs, several persons will investigate it. Each of them represents different interests and sees things from a different perspective. For accident victims, it is important to have someone on their side. Here are the parties that usually investigate car accidents in the Commonwealth:

• Law enforcement officers.

Their job is to assess the severity of the accident and determine if anyone broke the law. They will look for criminal acts and assess whether administrative penalties are necessary. They will also focus on clearing the roadway or directing traffic so as to avoid further accidents. Their findings will appear in the accident report. This report represents important evidence for any compensation claim. It also identifies all the parties involved, potential witnesses, and main damages.

• Claim adjusters.

Most insurers ask their clients to notify them immediately in case of an accident. This gives them the opportunity to initiate an investigation, through their claim adjusters. It also allows them to prepare early settlement offers. If they do not investigate the accident immediately, they will do it upon receiving the compensation claim. Their obvious purpose is to pay the lowest compensation possible or avoid paying at all. After a multi-car accident, chances are you will talk to several claim adjusters. Each of them will likely try to help you see things in a favorable light for their clients. It is better to avoid dealing with them if you do not have a lawyer present to guide you.

• The claimant or their car accident attorney in Richmond.

As a claimant, knowing how an accident occurred is not enough. You have to be able to prove it. In order to do so, you will need to find evidence and witnesses. You can do everything alone, or with the help of an accident attorney. Richmond, VA, is full of surveillance cameras from public and private institutions. Looking for one that may have recorded the accident is a great starting point. Of course, you should only do this after taking photos and gathering information at the scene. To support your case, a lawyer may also use case precedents and witness testimonies.

The compensation can cover the following types of losses:

• Medical expenses
• Disability adjustments
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Emotional and physical pain and suffering
• Lost earnings
• Other losses (consortium, ability to enjoy life and hobbies)

To obtain the compensation, you or your car accident attorney in Richmond will have to prove that:

• The party at fault had an obligation or duty of care (to obey traffic rules and regulations)
• The party did not comply with their obligation (they violated the law), either intentionally or by negligence
• The party’s negligent or intentional behavior caused the injuries

You will also have to justify the value of the compensation you claim. For that, you will need medical reports, bills, invoices, and receipts. Cost estimates should help you justify future expenses. For pain and suffering, witness testimonies, drug leaflets, and case precedents should help.

Of course, each case is different, so there is no universal success recipe. However, there is no doubt a lawyer can make everything easier. Since they know Virginia laws, they will have an easier time identifying the party at fault. Due to their extensive resources and investigation skills, they should be able to prove fault with ease. Finally, their experience should help them negotiate a more convenient settlement.

Consult a Car Accident Attorney in Richmond Now!

Whether you only want help in proving fault or in all the aspects of your case, we can help. At Virginia Injury Law, we have extensive experience in investigating multi-car accidents and proving liability for them. Our accident attorney in Richmond VA will put their experience and knowledge at your service. Schedule a consultation with them now, by calling (804) 332-6561! You will not regret it!