Who Is Liable in a Multi-Car Accident in South Carolina?
Multi-car accidents, also called pile-up accidents, involve three or more vehicles. These kinds of accidents are among the most destructive and dangerous. They are also among the most complex when it comes to filing an accident claim. Unfortunately, multi-car crashes are not uncommon in South Carolina. If you have suffered injuries in a multi-car accident in South Carolina, you may be wondering who is liable for your injuries and damages. Determining liability in a multi-car accident claim can be challenging. You most likely need the help of a qualified South Carolina car accident lawyer if you suffered injuries in a multi-car accident.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Accidents
Multi-car collisions can occur due to various reasons. The following are some of the most common causes of multi-car accidents in South Carolina;
Driver Negligence
One of the most common causes of multi-car accidents in South Carolina is driver negligence. Negligent behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving, and failing to obey traffic signs and signals can significantly increase the risk of multi-car crashes.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or steering wheel malfunctions, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in multi-car accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can reduce visibility and increase the risk of multi-car accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions, such as debris, uneven surfaces, or potholes, can contribute to multi-car crashes.
Determining Liability in a Multi-Car Accident
Determining liability in a multi-car crash can be challenging. It usually requires thorough investigations. Several factors are considered when determining who is liable in a multi-car accident. Before going into how liability is determined in multi-car accidents, it is essential to understand the meaning of “liability.” Liability refers to being legally responsible for something. In a car accident, it means being legally responsible for the accident. In other words, liability refers to who is at fault for the accident. Typically, liability is determined based on the concept of “negligence,” which entails proving that a party failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury.
When determining liability or fault in a multi-car accident case, the following are some of the factors that may be considered;
- Did one or more of the drivers fail to exercise reasonable care?
- What were the road and weather conditions like at the time of the accident?
- Did vehicle malfunction contribute to the accident?
What if More Than One Party Is at Fault for a Multi-Car Accident?
It is not uncommon for more than one party to be at fault for a multi-car crash. In such a case, each party will be assigned a percentage of fault based on their degree of responsibility and be required to pay compensation based on their percentage of fault.
It is crucial to note that if you were injured in a South Carolina multi-car accident, you can only recover compensation if you do not share any blame in the accident or are not more than 50% to blame for your accident. South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule bars plaintiffs from recovering compensation if they are more than 50% to blame for their accident. Additionally, if you are partially to blame for your accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Contact a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
If you were in a multi-car accident in South Carolina, contact our skilled Charleston car accident lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm for legal help.
Source:
scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c038.php
