A “secondary car accident” is a collision that occurs as a result of another car accident, such as a rear end collision that results in a second or third, etc. rear end collision.
The process of determining liability in a secondary car accident is to first identify the negligent party. One common issue is determining which driver was at fault for the initial accident. If multiple drivers were equally at fault, it can be difficult to establish liability for the secondary accident(s). This is because multiple drivers could be considered negligent and may be held liable for the damages.
Another potential issue is determining which driver was more at fault than the other(s). If the first driver rear-ended another vehicle and caused a chain reaction, that driver would likely be considered more at fault than the drivers of the other vehicles involved in the collision. As a result, the driver who caused the initial accident may be held liable for the damages from all of the subsequent accidents.
If the second accident was caused by distracted driving or speeding or following too closely, for example, the driver may be held liable even if they were not involved in the initial accident. This is because all drivers have a duty to exercise care when operating a motor vehicle, and the factors listed above can be considered a form of negligence and may result in liability for any accidents that occur as a result.
In a scenario where it is determined that both the first and third drivers were at fault, then the driver in the middle can sue both of them and pursue injury claims against both policies.
If you are involved in a secondary car accident, the first thing you should do after working with law enforcement to address the scene is to seek medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it is always important to get checked out by a medical professional after being involved in a collision. The next step is to contact an experienced car accident attorney.
If you are involved in a secondary car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss the facts of your case and your available options for compensation, which may include filing a personal injury lawsuit or joining another person’s lawsuit or insurance claim. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys can help you understand the legal process and your options when involved in a secondary motor vehicle accident. We handle all types of personal injury cases and are dedicated to providing you with the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today for a free consultation at (843) 310-4949.
If you’ve been injured in a personal injury accident it can be hard to know what to do next. At Riders Law Group we can help you get the compensation you deserve to continue providing for your family and to recover after an accident.