Multi Car Pile Up: Who is at Fault?

Who is at fault in a multi car pile up? This instance is one of the hardest for the insurance companies to decide. There are general rules of thumb that can help determine who was at fault.

Always, if you rear end someone, you are at fault. It doesn't matter how slow they were going, or why they slammed on their brakes, you must always be in control of your car, and must maintain a safe following distance. The one exception to this is in multi car pile ups.

If you are pushed into the lead car, by someone rear ending you, you would not be liable for the accident, and the person who rear ended you would be liable. However, if he only rear ends you after you rear end the lead car, you could be fully or at least partially liable. It is all in how the accident occurred. Did you hit the lead car first, or did you hit the lead car only after you were pushed into him, by being rear ended. The lead car holds the key to answering this question.

Pile ups are tricky, but if you rear end someone you will most likely be found at least partially liable for the accident.

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