Heavy traffic, high speeds, and quick lane changes make multi‑car accidents on I‑75 extremely common. When several cars are involved in an accident, assigning blame becomes more complicated than in a standard two‑car accident. Liability may be divided between multiple drivers, commercial trucking companies, or other parties. Understanding liability can be complicated and stressful, especially directly after an accident when you are dealing with possible injuries.
Who is at fault in a multi‑car crash comes down to how the accident started and how each driver reacted. Many pieces come together to determine fault in these cases, including police reports, photos of the damage, dash‑cam videos, eyewitness testimonies, etc. Insurance companies will often try to shift blame and avoid responsibility, especially in multi-car accidents, so it is important to collect as much evidence at the scene as possible and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer if you were injured.
Truck Driver Accidents on I-75
On Atlanta’s interstates, you are no doubt sharing the road with large commercial trucks at any hour of the day, and they are frequently involved in multi-car accidents. Sometimes, when a commercial truck is at fault during an accident, the blame doesn’t always stop with the driver. Truckers must follow extra safety procedures, such as securing their cargo and truck maintenance. In some cases, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or the company that loaded the cargo may also be responsible in the event of an accident.
These claims tend to be more complicated and drawn out, and difficult to handle alone, especially conjoined with your injuries. Hiring an attorney who works with truck accident cases every day can make the process much easier.
Reckless Driving Accidents on I-75
Reckless driving is a main culprit of multi‑car accidents.
- Driving over the speed limit.
- Weaving through traffic at high speeds.
- Brake‑checking.
- Tailgating.
- Street racing.
- Driving under the influence.
When one driver’s reckless driving is the cause of an accident, they may be assigned blame even when their car was not the first vehicle involved in the collision. Georgia treats reckless driving seriously because it puts everyone on the road at risk and is a criminal misdemeanor that may include fines or possible jail time.
- “Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, provided that no provision of this Code section shall be construed so as to deprive the court imposing the sentence of the power given by law to stay or suspend the execution of such sentence or to place the defendant on probation.” (Code 1933, § 68A-901, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 633, § 1; Ga. L. 1989, p. 350, § 2; Ga. L. 1990, p. 2048, § 5.)
Following Too Closely on I-75
Tailgating is another major cause of multi-car accidents on I-75. When drivers follow too closely, accidents can happen in seconds. If a driver follows too close, it leaves too little room to react when traffic slows or stops suddenly, especially on the interstate. In most rear-end crashes, liability starts with the driver who didn’t leave enough space to brake safely. Factors like how close the cars are traveling, traffic speed, and road conditions at the time of the crash may also shift liability. Drivers are expected to be fully cognizant while driving and adjust their distance based on traffic, weather, and visibility, not just the speed limit.
Sometimes, it is not the following car’s fault in a rear-end accident. Liability may shift if a driver ahead stops suddenly without reason or has malfunctioning brake lights.
Liability isn’t always assigned to only one driver. Other drivers may share fault if they were speeding or distracted. Insurance companies will try to debate these details, which can impact how much compensation any injured person receives. That’s why it is advised to reach out to a personal injury attorney if you are injured in a rear-end accident.
- A good rule of thumb for following other vehicles is that you need at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. At higher speeds, you will add 1 second for safety.
FAQs
Can more than one driver be held responsible in a multi-car accident?
Yes, liability can be shared between the drivers involved. Insurance companies or courts may assign percentages of fault to drivers based on a variety of reasons. One driver may be distracted while another driver is following too closely, another could be speeding, and parties driving under the influence may also be involved.
If you find yourself injured in an accident where the liability is split, getting the appropriate compensation from each liable party will be difficult to navigate on your own. This is why it is advised to hire a personal injury attorney with experience in these types of situations. If you ever find yourself in a multi-car accident, you can call Jones & Swanson for a FREE consultation. We can piece together the evidence and help paint a clear picture to make sure you are properly compensated.
What is Georgia’s comparative negligence law?
Georgia adheres to a comparative negligence system. This means that when fault is divided among all parties involved in an injury case, each party is assigned a percentage of responsibility. This may involve multiple drivers sharing fault for one party’s injuries, or it may mean that the injured party shares some fault with the other drivers.
When an injured party is found to be less than 50% at fault, they can still recover compensation. If the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from collecting any compensation. Because drivers and insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to limit their liability, having a team from Jones & Swanson on your side is a great way to protect your claim.
Am I Still Eligible for Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for a multi-car accident?
Yes. Because of Georgia’s comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the amount of fault that is assigned to you. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies often argue over fault percentages, which is why collecting evidence, understanding Georgia laws, and contacting an attorney can make all the difference in your case.
When should I contact an attorney for my multi-car accident?
Because liability is often split between multiple drivers, contacting a personal injury attorney as early as possible is recommended. In Georgia, generally, you must file a lawsuit within 2 years of your accident before the statute of limitations expires. Other factors can shorten or extend this deadline; that is why you should consult with an attorney about your case.
An experienced attorney can:
- Leverage evidence.
- Communicate with insurance companies.
- Evaluate medical records.
- Ensure that your fault is not overstated.
- Answer your questions and help you navigate the entire case.
At Jones & Swanson, we have a combined 50 years of legal experience, a proven track record of winning millions for our clients, and the tools to ensure you receive fair compensation from the party responsible for your damages.
Jones & Swanson Is A Georgia-based Personal Injury Attorney. If You Have Any Questions, call Jones & Swanson For A Free Consultation or Contact Us On Awjlaw.com. We have Decades Of Combined Experience Representing Individuals In Accidents. We Are More Than Happy To Answer Any Questions You May Have.
Categories: Auto Accidents, Auto Insurance, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injuries, Georgia Laws, Motorcycle Accident, Personal Injury, Safety Tips, Trucking Accidents
