Car accidents involving multiple vehicles are inherently more complicated than those that only involve one or two cars, trucks, or motorcycles. According to a report published in the Palm Beach Post, seven people were injured in a four-car accident that occurred west of Boca Raton. The accident occurred just before 5:15 on West Palmetto Park Road close to Lyons Road and resulted in significant property damage. The seven people injured in the accident were transported to hospitals.
Causation can be a significant issue in multiple car accidents
In order to win a personal injury case, an injured plaintiff must establish that the defendant actually caused the accident that resulted in their injuries. In cases involving multiple vehicles, causation can be much more complicated than it is for accidents involving fewer vehicles. For example, suppose two cars are stopped at a stoplight and a third car hits the car in the rear, causing it to collide with the vehicle in the front. In a case such as this, the third car would likely be held liable for the damage to both vehicles unless the driver of the second car was in some way negligent, as well.
Contributory negligence often plays a role in accidents involving multiple vehicles
In addition to issues related to causation, the legal doctrine of contributory negligence often plays a role in accidents involving more than two vehicles. Contributory negligence operates to reduce a person’s financial recovery in a car accident case by the proportion that his or her own negligence contributed to the accident. For instance, if a person was deemed to be 10 percent at fault for an accident and was awarded $100,000, his or her award would be reduced by 10 percent, resulting in a total recovery of $90,000.
Multiple car accidents can often result in significant injuries
People who are involved in multiple vehicle accidents often sustain extremely serious injuries that can result in medical expenses, lost income, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and even long-term disabilities. Some of the more injuries commonly sustained in motor vehicle accident include the following:
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Soft tissue injuries;
- Burns; and
- Spinal cord injuries.
As a result, car accident victims are often entitled to significant recovery, sometimes to the level of six- or seven-figure settlements or awards. The most effective way for car accident victims to ensure that they obtain the compensation to which they are entitled is to retain an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an incident occurs. Victims should bear in mind that personal injury cases in Florida are subject to the state’s statute of limitations, meaning that a delay could affect your right to recover.
Contact a Boca Raton personal injury attorney today to schedule a free case evaluation
While it is important for all car accident victims to retain legal counsel, it is particularly important for people who are involved in multiple-car accidents where liability is contested. The Boca Raton personal injury lawyers of Lavalle Brown & Ronan are skilled litigators who are committed to helping people injured by the negligence of others recover. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call our office today at 561-440-7944.
