A personal injury attorney can sort out liability if multiple parties are at fault in your car accident. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you could seek recovery. Cases can become complex when multiple parties share fault for a collision, so having a Dallas car accident lawyer on your side can help prove your right to financial recovery.
You deserve fair compensation for a car accident. The questions are: Who should pay you, and how much money does each liable party owe you? A lawyer will answer these questions and take legal action against a negligent driver, demanding the compensation you are entitled to with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Scenarios Where Multiple Parties Share Fault for a Car Accident
There are many scenarios (which occur with some frequency) in which two parties share liability for a car accident, including when:
Two Motorists Share Fault
Consider a scenario where:
- Two motorists are driving on the highway, one behind the other.
- The motorist in front is gazing at a sight in the distance, not focusing on the road.
- When the motorist finally refocuses, they see brake lights in the distance and slam on their brakes, coming to a near stop.
- The motorist trailing behind does not expect the motorist in front to stop so suddenly. Unfortunately, they cannot brake before rear-ending the vehicle.
Upon review, investigators determined the motorist in front did not have good reason to stop so abruptly. However, the trailing motorist should have left more room between their vehicle and the car in front of them. Because both parties engaged in dangerous acts, they share fault for the rear-end collision.
A Motorist and a Product Manufacturer Share Liability
Consider a scenario where:
- A drunk driver loses control of their vehicle, swerving into the median.
- Because the median is made of flimsy material, the drunk motorist’s vehicle crashes through and into a lane of oncoming traffic.
- An oncoming motorist strikes the drunk driver’s vehicle.
In this case, the intoxicated motorist would clearly be liable for causing the collision. However, the manufacturer of the flimsy median may also be liable, as a stronger barrier may have prevented the secondary collision.
An Intoxicated Motorist and a Dram Shop Are Both Liable
Texas has higher-than-average rates of drunk driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Therefore, it is relevant to consider a circumstance where:
- An intoxicated motorist consumes 10 alcoholic drinks within two hours at a bar.
- The motorist, who shows clear signs of intoxication, leaves the bar in their car.
- The motorist causes an accident that seriously injures two victims.
Drunk motorists are usually liable for any auto accident injuries they cause, including catastrophic injuries. In this case, the bar owner who served the motorist 10 drinks within two hours may also be liable for the accident.
A Motorist and a Contractor (or Municipality) Share Fault
When dangerous road conditions contribute to car accidents, the parties responsible for the road can be liable. Consider a scenario where:
- A motorist drives their vehicle on a pothole-riddled road.
- The motorist’s tires have little tread, showing they are worn and need replacing.
- The motorist hits a large pothole, causing the tire to pop.
- The motorist loses control of the vehicle, swearing into the adjacent lane.
In this case, the motorist may be at fault for failing to replace worn tires. Additionally, the contractor responsible for the integrity of the road may share fault because of the pothole.
There are many other circumstances where multiple parties may share fault (or liability) for a motor vehicle accident. Car accidents are complex, and you cannot always blame a collision on a single cause or individual. Your lawyer will investigate, consider all facts and evidence, and seek compensation from all liable parties.
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Should I Hire a Lawyer to Establish Fault in My Car Accident?
It is your decision whether to hire a lawyer. Here are some things to consider:
- Cases involving multiple liable parties can be particularly complex.
- You (or an attorney) must determine who shares what percentage of fault for the collision.
- You may have injuries, personal obligations, and professional duties that require your attention.
- You could compromise your health and your case if you try to split your time between recovery and your car accident case.
Many car accident victims hire a personal injury lawyer to handle every detail of their case—our firm can do this for you. With our team managing your claim or lawsuit, you can focus on recovering as soon as possible.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Seek Financial Compensation for Crash-Related Damages
From gathering accident evidence to dealing with insurers and negotiating a settlement, a law firm will manage every detail of your case. Our primary goal is to secure compensation for your accident-related damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering (including physical pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep problems, lost quality of life, and similar problems)
- Lost income
- Diminished earning power
- Vehicle repair costs
- Repair or replacement of personal property damaged during the accident
- Any other economic or non-economic damages resulting from the car accident
If you continue to suffer accident-related damages, we can work with experts to project the cost of your future losses. Loncar Lyon Jenkins will identify a fair settlement target and then fight for your deserved compensation.
Our Texas wrongful death lawyers represent clients who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents. We can lead your case if you have tragically lost a loved one.
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Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for a Free Consultation About Your Car Accident Case
We generally face a two-year deadline for filing car accident cases in Dallas, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Do not wait to contact our team, as we will draft and file your claim or lawsuit as soon as possible. Our compassionate, client-focused team will explain the benefits of hiring our firm, including that we will lead the entire legal process for your case.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for your free consultation. There are no costs or obligations to hire our auto accident attorney to represent you.
