Accidents involving several vehicles are rarely simple. In busy cities like Chicago, one crash can quickly involve three or more cars, leading to confusion about who was responsible. It might seem like a chain reaction, but every crash has its own story and its own mix of causes.
When more than two drivers are involved, it becomes harder to figure out who was at fault. Illinois law uses something called comparative fault to break it down. This rule looks at how much blame each person shares and decides what that means for any injury claim.
If you were hurt or caught in a crash with several vehicles, it is important to understand how this process works. At Fabbrini Law Group, we help people across Chicago make sense of these claims and stand up for their rights after serious accidents.
What Is Comparative Fault in Illinois?
When a car accident happens in Illinois, the law does not always place all the blame on one person. Instead, it follows a rule called comparative fault or comparative negligence. This means that each driver involved in a crash can be assigned a portion of responsibility, depending on the circumstances.
If you are injured and decide to file a claim, the amount of money you can receive depends on how much of the accident was your fault. For instance, if it is decided that you were thirty percent at fault, your final compensation would be reduced by that same amount.
Illinois also has a limit built into this rule. If your share of the blame is more than half, you are not allowed to collect money from the other parties. This encourages fairness while also preventing someone mostly at fault from benefiting through a lawsuit.
This system becomes especially important in crashes with several vehicles. With multiple drivers and different versions of events, determining fault can be complicated. That is why knowing how comparative fault works and how it applies in your case is key to protecting your rights after an accident.
How Fault Is Determined in a Multi-Car Crash
When several vehicles are involved in a traffic accident, figuring out who caused what can be complicated. Unlike a two-car crash where one driver is often clearly at fault, accidents with three or more vehicles involve more questions and different points of view.
To understand what happened, investigators look at the scene closely. Police officers write reports that include their own observations and statements from drivers and witnesses. These reports can give a rough outline of the accident, including where each car was, how fast they were going, and what each driver said.
Photos from the scene, nearby security cameras, or dash cams can also be important. They help show the positions of the cars, signs of braking, and the damage each vehicle took. In more serious accidents, crash experts may be asked to study the physical evidence. They look at tire marks, vehicle damage, and the angle of each impact to help explain how the crash may have started and spread.
In many of these cases, the fault is divided between two or more drivers. Even a small mistake by one person can shift how blame is shared. That is why it is important to gather information early and keep clear records. The more details you have, the better your chance of showing what really happened and protecting your claim.
How Fabbrini Law Group Supports People Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crashes
After a serious crash that involves more than one car, it can be difficult to figure out what actually happened. Different drivers may give conflicting stories, and insurance companies may be quick to shift blame or question your account. This is where Fabbrini Law Group steps in.
The team takes a close look at everything that might help your case. That means going through police reports, talking to witnesses, and reviewing any photos or videos that might show how the accident happened. In cases where things are unclear, they can work with professionals who study traffic accidents to help make sense of the details.
Once they have a clear picture, Fabbrini Law Group takes over the communication with insurance companies. If you are being blamed unfairly or your injuries are not being taken seriously, they push back. Their job is to make sure your voice is heard and your losses are fully considered.
If you have been hurt in a crash involving several vehicles, and you are not sure who is responsible or what steps to take, contact Fabbrini Law Group. They can help you figure out what to do next and guide you through the process.
Speak With a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were involved in a multi-car accident and are unsure where to turn, speaking with a trusted lawyer can give you the clarity you need. These cases often involve confusing details, conflicting stories, and difficult insurance negotiations. You do not have to figure it out alone.
Fabbrini Law Group is here to help you understand your rights, review the facts, and take action if needed. Contact the firm today to schedule a free consultation and get the support you deserve after a serious crash.