Injured in a multiple-car accident?
Call Attorney Omar to get help today.
Experiencing a multiple-vehicle accident in Houston can be overwhelming and very complex to deal with.
At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Houston
Multi-vehicle accidents, often referred to as chain-reaction or pile-up accidents, involve three or more vehicles. These collisions frequently occur on highways or at busy intersections, where high speeds and heavy traffic contribute to the likelihood of such incidents.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Several factors can lead to multi-vehicle accidents, including:
- Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio divert attention from the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or ice can create hazardous driving environments.
- Tailgating: Following too closely leaves insufficient space to stop safely.
- Sudden Lane Changes: Abrupt movements can catch other drivers off guard, leading to collisions.
Determining Fault in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Establishing liability in multi-vehicle accidents is often challenging due to the number of parties involved. Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system, meaning that each party’s degree of fault affects their ability to recover compensation. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Steps to Take After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of the vehicles, damages, and any relevant road conditions.
- Collect Information: Obtain contact and insurance details from all involved parties and witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
- Consult an Attorney: Engage a Houston car accident lawyer to protect your rights and navigate the claims process.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Investigate the Crash If the Police Are Already Investigating?
While law enforcement conducts a criminal investigation and reconstructs the accident, their focus is not on your insurance claim or ensuring you get fair compensation for your injuries.
Depending on where the crash occurred, agencies like the Houston Police Department or Texas Highway Patrol will likely investigate the incident and provide a report summarizing their findings. While these reports can be helpful, they often prioritize details relevant to criminal charges or traffic violations.
Police investigations may overlook critical evidence that isn’t directly relevant to their objectives. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, our Houston car accident attorneys will thoroughly review all evidence, including details the police may have missed, to build a strong case and maximize your compensation.
Who Do I File a Claim Against If Multiple People Are Responsible for My Injuries?
In multi-vehicle accidents, it’s common for multiple drivers’ negligence to contribute to your injuries. These situations often involve what’s known as “indivisible injuries,” where more than one party is at fault, but it’s challenging to determine exactly how much each person’s actions caused your losses.
In Texas, courts often hold all responsible parties jointly and severally liable for damages when fault cannot be clearly divided. This means you can file a claim for the full amount of your damages against any one of the at-fault individuals or entities. If your claim is successful, that party will pay the entire amount, and it will be their responsibility to recover contributions from the other at-fault parties.
Understanding the “One Satisfaction” Rule
The “One Satisfaction” rule ensures fairness in compensation. It prevents accident victims from receiving more than the full value of their claim. Under this rule, you are entitled to recover the total amount of your damages only once. If you receive full compensation from one at-fault party, you cannot seek additional payments from other responsible individuals or entities.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja
- Experience: Our team has extensive experience handling multi-vehicle accident cases in Houston.
- Personalized Attention: We provide compassionate and dedicated representation tailored to your unique situation.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a multi-vehicle accident in Houston, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.