What If I Was Rear-Ended and Then Hit Another Vehicle?

 Posted on October 12, 2022 in Blog Post

Auto accidents can take a massive toll on a person physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, Illinois law allows car accident victims to pursue financial compensation for their damages. The at-fault driver, or more likely, the at-fault driver's insurance company, may be required to pay for vehicle damage, medical bills, and other damages. However, in a multi-car accident, determining the at-fault driver can be challenging. For example, if a motorist is rear-ended and the force of the collision causes him or her to strike another vehicle, who is at fault? Which driver is liable for injuries? 

Liability in a Rear-End Car Crash 

In most rear-end car crashes, the rear driver is liable. Drivers are expected to keep enough distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to avoid a collision. However, there are circumstances in which the rear driver is not at fault.  If the lead driver cuts off the rear driver or slams on his or her brakes without warning, the rear driver may not be liable. 

Determining Liability in a Rear-End Multi-Car Accident 

When two vehicles are involved in a rear-end collision, and the force of the collision causes one of the vehicles to strike a third vehicle, the at-fault driver will likely be the driver who rear-ended the first vehicle. 

However, car accident liability can be complicated. Sometimes, multiple parties share fault for the crash. In some states, an injured person cannot collect any compensation at all if he or she is partially at fault for a crash. Fortunately, this is not the case in Illinois. Illinois uses a standard called “modified comparative negligence.” This means that an injured person may be able to recover damages if he or she is less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. 

In a shared-fault car crash, the amount of damages a person could receive is reduced by his or her share of fault. For example, if an injured person was 10 percent at fault for the accident, his or her damages would be reduced by 10 percent. So, if the victim sustained $50,000 worth of damages, he or she may still qualify for $45,000 of compensation. 

If you or a loved one were injured in a rear-end accident, a lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the crash, determine liability, and fight to get you as much compensation as possible. Sometimes, personal injury lawyers work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to prove fault for a crash and secure compensation for crash victims. 

Contact a Park Ridge Car Crash Injury Lawyer 

Des Plaines personal injury lawyer Patrick Quinn provides dependable legal support to car accident victims. Mr. Quinn is a skilled negotiator and trial lawyer. He will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve. Call 847-232-7180 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/Insurance/Consumers/ConsumerInsurance/Auto/Pages/comparative-negligence.aspx