An at-fault motorist’s insurance can pay in a multi-car accident. Or the insurance providers of at-fault drivers can split the cost of an accident based on each motorist’s percentage of fault. Following a multi-vehicle collision, partner with a car accident lawyer, and they can submit an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
By working with trusted car accident lawyers in Washington, you are well-positioned to get compensation for any losses you incur in a multi-vehicle crash. Your lawyer can determine who is liable for your accident and seek damages accordingly. They can help you prepare an argument designed to prove you are not liable for the accident.
Whose Insurance Pays in a Multi-Car Accident in Washington State?
You could receive payment from a liable motorist’s insurance carrier following a multi-vehicle accident in Washington. For example, a driver slams their vehicle into yours and others. This motorist’s insurer could cover your accident-related losses and those of other drivers involved in the crash.
In an accident where two or more drivers are at fault, their respective insurance companies could split the cost. Consider what can happen if two drivers are equally responsible for a multi-vehicle crash. In this scenario, the motorists’ insurance companies could divide the costs of any accident-related losses 50/50.
When in doubt about who is at fault for your multi-car crash, ask for legal help. An auto accident attorney can help you identify any liable parties. They can provide a Washington accident claim calculator and other tools to help you determine your accident-related losses.
How does Insurance Determine Who Pays in a Multi-Car Accident?
Figuring out who is liable for a car accident depends on the facts of the incident. A car crash lawyer can share free Washington law guidebooks and other resources relating to your multi-vehicle accident. They can help you build a body of evidence that makes it clear that you should not be held accountable for the collision.
It is in your best interests not to take partial or full blame for an auto accident involving several vehicles. Ultimately, a police report, accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, and other proof can be used to determine liability for a multi-vehicle collision. If you have a compelling body of evidence, you may prove to an insurer that you are not at fault.
As an insurance company examines your auto collision, it can determine who is at fault and how much compensation should be provided. Unfortunately, an insurer can dispute your accident-related losses. A car accident attorney can negotiate with an insurance company for you and put you in a great position to secure a fair settlement.
Should You File an Insurance Claim If You Are Involved in a Multi-Car Accident?
It is beneficial to inform your insurance company about a multi-vehicle accident. Washington maintains an “at-fault” system for auto insurance. Once you tell your insurer about your accident, the business can connect with the insurance companies of the other drivers involved in the incident and work with them to determine who is liable.
Filing an insurance claim does not guarantee you will recover sufficient compensation for your accident-related losses. A liable motorist’s insurer could contest your claim or offer a settlement well short of the costs of treating your injuries and other losses you incur. Pursuing compensation through an injury lawsuit may prove to be the best option financially.
A car accident lawyer works diligently to help their clients achieve the optimal case results. Your attorney can learn about your accident and how the incident is impacting you. From here, they can submit your lawsuit and help you hold any parties liable for your accident accountable for your losses.
What Damages Can You Get in a Multi-Car Accident Lawsuit?
You could collect economic and non–economic damages if you sue one or more at-fault drivers in a personal injury lawsuit. A car accident attorney will encourage you to request compensation for your quantifiable and subjective losses. Reasons you could recover damages in your lawsuit include:
- Car repairs or replacement
- Income loss
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The amount of time in which you have to request compensation from anyone liable for an auto accident is governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Per RCW 4.16.080, you have up to three years from the date you suffer a personal injury to file a lawsuit. After this window closes, you are solely responsible for your injury-related losses.
Hire Car Accident Lawyers Who Have a Track Record of Success
You are worried about whose insurance will pay after a multi-car accident. It is overwhelming to think about getting compensation from the insurance providers of any liable parties, and you are unsure about how to proceed. At this time, meet with an auto crash lawyer, and they can help you request compensation from anyone who contributed to your accident.
Premier Law Group has more than 55 years of combined legal experience at our disposal. Let our car accident attorneys evaluate your case and guide you through the process of requesting compensation via an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Contact us today for more information.