Who Is At Fault in a Multiple-Vehicle Collision?

 Posted on June 16, 2025 in Car & Truck Accidents

In 2024, there were 110,427 traffic accidents reported in Maryland. While collisions between two vehicles are common, other crashes involve several. When multiple drivers are involved, determining who is at fault becomes more complicated than in a typical two-car accident. Maryland law places a strong emphasis on fault, which can make it challenging to collect compensation after a chain-reaction crash. You need our skilled Bowie, MD personal injury attorneys on your side to protect your best interests.

How Is Fault Determined in Chain-Reaction Pileups?

Multi-vehicle collisions often happen on highways, at intersections, or during bad weather. A pileup does not happen all at once. Instead, it is a series of several individual crashes. Each one must be investigated to determine fault and establish liability.

Investigators will look for evidence of negligent behaviors, such as:

• Following too closely

• Distracted driving

• Failing to yield the right of way

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

• Improper passing or merging

• Driving under the influence

Each driver’s behavior is evaluated to find out who caused or contributed to the crash. Sometimes a single careless act by one driver leads to a chain reaction, but other times multiple drivers make mistakes. If you share responsibility for causing your crash, that fault could stand in your way of obtaining compensation.

What Is Contributory Negligence?

Maryland follows one of the strictest negligence rules in the country. Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, a person who is even slightly at fault for an accident cannot recover any compensation, no matter how severe the injuries. There are exceptions to this rule, however.

Insurance companies will often try to avoid paying claims by arguing that the injured person shares some blame for their crash. Many victims take a claim denial to mean they do not have any legal options. Do not assume you cannot recover compensation. Instead, contact our office. We can investigate your accident and assess your eligibility.

What Damages Might I Get After a Pileup Crash?

When you are involved in a multiple-vehicle collision, your vehicle may have been struck several times. Each impact may have caused a new injury or worsened a previous one. If you qualify for compensation and more than one other driver contributed to your crash, you may have multiple claims.

Common injuries in car accidents include broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal cord damage, organ damage, internal bleeding, and bruising. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. You may need to take a long time off work while you recover, and your injuries may be so severe that you cannot return to work at all. If your accident caused a new disability, you might need to modify your home and vehicle. All this can lead to significant mental and emotional stress, which can diminish your quality of life.

Damages are specific economic and non-economic losses that result from an accident, like those mentioned above. Most insurance companies will not pay as much as they should without a fight. You can trust us to handle that fight on your behalf while you focus on putting your life back together after your crash.

Discuss Your Case With Our Aggressive Annapolis, MD Car Accident Lawyers

When you choose Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, our goal is to help you secure the highest available amount of compensation after your car accident. Schedule your consultation to discuss your case with our dedicated Bowie, MD personal injury attorneys by contacting us online or calling 301-262-5500 today.