Thursday, October 23, 2008

Establishing Fault in a Car Pileup Accident

A car pileup or a multiple vehicle crash is a devastating vehicle accident, often involving several victims with extensive damage to vehicles or properties.

Take the case of a car pile up accident that occurred in France’s A4 Motorway and involved 28 vehicles, including a tractor-trailer and two buses.

About 39 people were injured while one died as a result of the multiple vehicle crash. Some 230 rescue personnel and police officers also rushed to the scene of the accident to help the victims.

In vehicle accidents like this, one may ask – whose fault is it?

Under the tort law, comparative responsibility in accidents such as this applies. This principle applies not only to accidents caused by negligence but to intentional torts as well.

By comparative fault, the participation of each party in the accident is assessed and the fault of each one is determined and established. In this way, the fault is divided by percentage among the parties and accordingly, the amount of damages for the plaintiff.

Proving and establishing comparative responsibility in a car pileup accident may be an intricate process. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer will ensure protection of your rights during the process.