Car accidents are an unfortunate incident, but it is a standard part of driving. At times, two-vehicle accidents are most frequently occuring; multi-vehicle accidents, such as 3 car accidents, can be far more complicated.
If you really wondered, “What is a 3 car accident called?” or “Who pays in a multi-car accident?”, you are not alone. These kinds of incidents do raise sudden questions regarding liability, insurance, and legal responsibility. Let us break it down.
What Is a 3 Car Accident Called?
However, a 3 car accident is mainly referred to as a multi-car collision or a chain reaction crash. It is a type of unique traffic accident that involves primarily three vehicles, either colliding simultaneously or in quick succession.
There exist numerous common scenarios.
Rear-End Chain Reaction
In the rear-end chain reaction, Car A hits Car B, and Car B hits Car C.
Intersection Crash
In the intersection crash, one vehicle runs a red light and hits two other cars.
Highway Pile-Ups
At times, multiple vehicles do collide due to sudden stops and the existence of abrupt weather conditions.
Generally, these accidents vary in severity, ranging from minor fender benders to severe crashes, depending entirely on the speed and the suddenness of the impact.
3 Car Accident: Who Pays?
The most chaotic and confusing part of a 3 car accident is figuring out who really pays for the damages. The answer primarily depends on the fault, which is shared chiefly among drivers or falls solely on one.
The following scenarios and examples are provided.
Rear-End Chain Reactions
In the rear-end chain reactions, you can observe, for instance, car A rear-ends car B while car B is pushed into car C.
Who exactly pays?
If car A started this chain reaction, it can be liable for all damages to both car B and car C.
If car B was too close to car C and failed to apply the brakes in time, B does share some fault.
Intersection Crash
In the intersection crash, car A runs a red light and hits car B. While car B is intersecting, it crashes into car C.
As a result, in this specific scenario, car A can be responsible for the entire mishap, depending on witness statements and video footage as well.
Whose Insurance Pays in a Multi Car Accident?
However, in a 3 car accident, insurance companies will certainly investigate the facts to determine the overall responsibility and decide whose policy should cover the damage.
Here is how it typically works.
At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
The driver who caused the accident, whether wholly or partially at fault, will always have their liability insurance covered.
- Vehicle damage to all the other parties
- Medical bills (depending on the state of Florida)
- Lost wages and other compensable damages
For instance, if car A is found 100% at fault, its insurer will pay damages to both car B and C.
Your Own Collision Coverage
If you somehow got involved in a 3 car accident and:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance is either delayed or disputed
- They are mostly uninsured or underinsured
However, your collision coverage helps you pay for repairs to your car (minus your deductible) even before fault is officially determined.
Then your collision coverage can help pay for repairs to your car (minus your deductible), even before fault is officially decided.
No-Fault States (like Florida)
In a no-fault insurance state like Florida, driver should first use their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for medical bills, regardless of who exactly caused the crash.
While for serious injuries or property damage, fault still matters, and lawsuits and liability claims follow it.
Determining Fault in a 3 Car Accident
According to the expert legal practitioners from Abercrombie P.A., establishing who is exactly responsible can be a complex task. Therefore, insurance adjusters, car accident attorney, and sometimes courts consider.
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Traffic citations issued
In some instances, multiple drivers may share liability, and damages are divided based on the percentage of fault each driver bears. It is known as comparative negligence, and it is the standard in most U.S. states.
Filing an Insurance Claim in a 3 Car Accident
Here is precisely what you perform after a multi-car crash.
Step 1: Report the Accident
Once you suffer injuries from the accident, always try to call the police and ensure a report is successfully filed. Also, try to document the scene with photos and video. Do grab contact and insurance information from all the drivers involved in the accident.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
You are required to report the incident, even if you weren’t at fault. Please ask about your coverage options for collision, rental car, and medical expenses.
Step 3: Let the Investigation Unfold
It is the insurer who will review the evidence and assign fault. Always be honest and consistent in your statements. The main tip is that if a fault is being disputed or you have suffered injuries, it might aid you to consult a personal injury attorney.
Can Fault Be Shared?
Yes, fault can always be shared. In most of the 3 car accident cases, more than one driver is partially at fault.
For instance, car A was travelling at an excessive speed. Car B braked suddenly without any reason. At the same time, car C was following too closely and failed to come to a stop. In such cases, all three may share a percentage of the blame. Each driver’s insurance will pay out according to their assigned level of fault.
Protecting Yourself in a 3 Car Accident
Therefore, to minimise the headaches, ensure your insurance policy includes.
Collision Coverage
It definitely pays out for your car, regardless of any faults.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
It helps if one or more drivers don’t possess enough insurance coverage.
Rental reimbursement
It keeps you mobile while your vehicle gets repaired efficiently.
Medical payments or PIP
Mainly, it covers injuries related to you and your passengers as well.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the one question that looms in the mind of the reader is what precisely a 3 car accident is called? It is typically a multi-vehicle accident or a chain reaction crash. Most importantly, understanding how liability exactly works and whose insurance pays off within a multi-car accident does protect you from financial stress after the collision.
Generally, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the other party’s damages. If fault is somehow shared, each insurer pays out based on its overall responsibility. At times, your own policy does aid you in covering repairs or injuries in the meantime.
Drive defensively, maintain a proper following distance, and thoroughly review your insurance coverage to ensure you are protected from various scenarios.
