How Do You Prove Liability in a Multi-Car Accident?

Multi-car accidents in Kansas City, Missouri, can be complex, leaving victims wondering if they will be held liable in spite of following all the rules of the road. There is reasonable worry that you may be held wrongfully liable, which is why a lawyer is so important when proving which parties are responsible for specific actions leading to the accident.

We will explore what a lawyer can do to help in these stressful situations and explore what you as the victim can do to establish your innocence in this complex type of car accident.

What are the 7 steps to establish liability in a multi-car crash?

1. Investigating the Accident Scene: To build a strong case, lawyers begin their investigation by thoroughly examining the accident scene. They will review the official Missouri accident report and may visit the location to gather further evidence, including skid marks, road conditions and any other relevant physical evidence that may have been left behind. By meticulously assessing the scene, an experienced lawyer can establish a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the accident.
2. Collecting Eyewitness Testimonies: Eyewitness testimonies play a vital role in determining liability in multi-car accidents. Lawyers will interview witnesses who were listed on the official Kansas City, Missouri accident report and dig into their perspective of what led to the accident. These statements can help reconstruct the sequence of events and identify negligent behavior or violations committed by each driver involved. Eyewitness testimonies can provide valuable insight into the actions of Car A, Car B and other vehicles involved, helping establish liability.
3. Analyzing Police Reports: As mentioned above, your trusted Kansas City accident injury attorney relies on police reports, as they contain an official accounting of the details regarding the accident. These reports typically include statements from the involved parties, preliminary assessments of fault and any traffic violations noted by the responding officers. Lawyers look critically at these reports to uncover any discrepancies or errors for use as supporting evidence in determining the liability in your multi-car accident.
4. Examining Surveillance Footage: In some cases, accidents occur in areas monitored by surveillance cameras. Lawyers will make every effort to obtain and analyze relevant footage from these cameras. Video evidence can be instrumental in revealing crucial details, such as the actions of each driver, the sequence of events and potential traffic law violations. Surveillance footage can help establish a clear chain of liability, providing an unbiased perspective on the accident.
5. Obtaining Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles are often equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes” that store valuable information about the vehicle’s operation before and during an accident. Lawyers work with specialists to retrieve and analyze this data, which can include crucial details such as speed, braking and acceleration patterns. The data extracted from the black boxes can provide objective evidence of a driver’s actions, aiding in determining liability or aid in the following process.
6. Consulting Accident Reconstruction Experts: To strengthen their case, lawyers often collaborate with accident reconstruction experts. These professionals use advanced techniques, including computer simulations and physical evidence analysis, to recreate the accident scenario. By considering factors such as vehicle speeds, braking distances, impact angles and “black box” data, accident reconstruction experts use scientific principles to create a picture of what happened, which is especially valuable if there is no surveillance footage available at the accident scene. Their expert opinions can serve as compelling evidence in determining liability.
7. Gathering Medical Records and Expert Opinions: To establish the link between the accident and the injuries sustained, lawyers collect comprehensive medical records. These records document the extent and nature of the injuries and attribute them to the multi-car accident. In addition to medical records, lawyers may consult medical experts who can offer professional opinions on the injuries, their causes and the long-term effects on the victim’s life.

With all of this in mind there are a few steps that you, as the victim can take to aid your Kansas City personal injury attorney in establishing your innocence in the multi-car accident.

What should I do immediately after being involved in a multi-car accident?

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is involved in a multi-car crash in Kansas City, there are immediate steps that you should take, if physically able, to support a future legal case:

• Seek medical treatment: Even if you feel fine, it is essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and a thorough medical examination can help identify any underlying issues. It’s important to have documented evidence of your injuries for your legal case.
• Gather witness information: If there are witnesses present at the scene, try to obtain their contact information and full legal names. Inform the police about their presence as well, so that witnesses can be included in the official Missouri accident report.
• Document the scene: After a multi-car accident, document the scene by taking photos/videos of the vehicles, damage, skid marks and traffic signals. While you will have this footage on your phone, refrain from sharing it on social media, as it can be used against you in court.
• Create your own “accident report”: Create your personal accident report with details like time, date, location, a brief incident description, estimated speeds and weather conditions. Draw a vehicle diagram and gather names and driver’s license numbers of all involved parties. You can compare your report with the official one when you meet with your attorney.

After gathering all the necessary information, it’s crucial to seek the advice of an experienced and reputable injury attorney. A skilled lawyer, such as those at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, voted Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm, can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights and help you explore your legal options. They will review your case, assess liability and assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve. Read our testimonials and see how we can help you like we have helped your neighbors in our local communities. Call or contact us today to schedule a free consultation at any of our convenient locations in Kansas City, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Parkville and St. Joseph, Missouri; or in Olathe, Kansas City and Overland Park, Kansas.