Who’s Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in NYC?

Multi-Vehicle Collisions Are Complex Events and May Involve Several Liable Parties

Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in New York. According to the New York State Department of Health, “On average there were 1,098 deaths each year due to unintentional motor vehicle traffic-related injuries, killing 5.6 of every 100,000 New Yorkers. The rates were highest for males and New Yorkers ages 65 and older followed by those 20-24.” Depending on the unique circumstances of any accident, there could be one or more liable parties for any car accident in New York City.

Understanding Comparative Fault in New York

New York is one of many states that determines liability by evaluating comparative fault. Comparative fault is a legal principle that allows individuals to recover damages for accidents even in situations where one or more drivers are partially at fault. Liability is apportioned on a percentage basis for each party involved in a collision. For example, if a court determines that both parties were equally at fault, each plaintiff would be considered 50% at fault. Any damages awarded to either plaintiff would be reduced by 50%. This concept is especially relevant in multi-vehicle collisions where two or more parties could be responsible.

Liability for Rear-End Collisions

When a rear-end collision causes a multi-vehicle accident, the first driver to strike a car from behind will typically be held at fault. Rear-end collisions are nearly always the result of one driver following another vehicle too closely. Pursuant to New York Vehicle Code 1129, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that strikes a vehicle from behind. There is, however, an exception if a vehicle was pushed into another vehicle.

Liability for Instances of Multiple Traffic Violations

It is possible that there could be several drivers who are held at fault for a multi-vehicle collision. What follows are just a few examples where liability is spread among several drivers.

• Two drivers may have collided after merging into the same lane of traffic.
• Three or more drivers may have ignored right-of-way laws and collided in the same intersection.
• One driver may have made a left turn into the path of a vehicle driving aggressively. The second driver overcorrects and slams into another vehicle.

Determining liability for a multi-vehicle collision can be complex. It is best to have these accidents evaluated by a skilled New York City car accident attorney.

Potentially Liable Parties in Multi-Vehicle Collisions

There are many possible liable parties for any collision where multiple vehicles are involved. In certain circumstances, liability could extend beyond the drivers immediately involved.

• Commercial Operators: This may include delivery companies and ride-share companies such as Uber.
• Vehicle Owners: The owner of a vehicle could be liable for a collision if it was negligently maintained and this contributed to a crash.
• Employers: As a general principle, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees involved in a multi-vehicle collision–insofar as those employees were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: The company that manufactured a vehicle could also be held at fault if a vehicle systems failure contributed to an accident.

Multi-vehicle collisions can leave victims with very serious and lasting injuries. Any person injured in a multi-vehicle collision may have legal recourse through a personal injury claim.

Getting Legal Help for New York City Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents

Going through a car accident can be one of the most disruptive and difficult periods of a person’s life. It is common for victims to take long periods of time away from work to recover. This can have a dramatic impact on their finances and ability to take care of their families. It is essential that accident victims understand that they do have legal options.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a New York City multi-vehicle crash? You may have legal recourse. Our team of New York City personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.