In a Multi-Vehicle Pileup Accident, Who Pays?

Around 70% of car accidents involve more than 2 vehicles.

If you’re in a car accident, you’re likely grappling with multiple parties—potentially multiple at-fault parties. You’re looking at almost impossibly complex investigation when it comes to pileup accidents, especially with 10 or more vehicles. As winter bears down on us, icy roads and poor weather increases the likelihood of a car pileup more and more every day.

But in a car accident that involves over a dozen different drivers, multiple companies, and several insurers, who’s actually going to be liable?

Multi Car Pileup Accidents & Comparative Negligence in Louisiana

Thankfully, the answer to that question is clearer here than in most states. Louisiana accident law determines fault using comparative negligence. In another state, the court might find 1 or 2 parties mostly at-fault, and the remaining parties would recover their damages from them. Here, the total damages are added together, and every person is entitled to a percentage of damages related to the percentage they were at fault.

The trial for a multi-vehicle pileup revolves around proving and assigning fault to the different parties. For instance, if you were found 5% at fault for a car pileup, you’d be entitled to recover 95% of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Why Having a Louisiana Pileup Attorney Matters

Because how much fault you’re assigned determines how much you recover, your future hinges on your lawyer proving you weren’t to blame (or were mostly blameless, if at all). Investigating an accident like a vehicle pileup requires serious experience, resources, and commitment.

Clayton, Frugé & Ward has won hundreds of millions of dollars in court for our clients. We’ve secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements, including the largest single-injury verdict in Louisiana history for the victims of an ambulance accident. If you were injured in a multi-vehicle pileup, we’re the firm you want to call.

Call (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation. Let’s help you get back on your feet.