Highway chain reaction crashes often involve multiple vehicles and complicated liability. When a driver rear-ends your vehicle during a chain reaction accident, you may wonder if you can recover damages. The short answer is yes, but the outcome depends on several factors, including fault.
Understanding liability in chain reaction crashes
Determining fault is a key step in pursuing compensation in chain reaction accidents. These accidents typically begin when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance and collides with the vehicle in front of them. The force of this impact can push vehicles into each other, creating a domino effect. Liability often rests with the driver who started the chain reaction, but other drivers may also share responsibility if their actions contributed to the crash.
New Jersey applies a comparative negligence rule to assign fault. You can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you share some blame, your compensation will decrease by your percentage of fault.
Seeking compensation for your damages
If you’re rear-ended in a chain reaction crash, you can typically file a claim for damages. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies will investigate to determine the at-fault parties. Strong evidence, such as photos, police reports, and witness statements, can support your case.
New Jersey’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance may cover some of your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP does not compensate for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses. To recover these damages, you may need to prove another driver’s negligence caused the crash.
Chain reaction accidents are complex, especially when multiple drivers share responsibility. It’s important to understand that you can take steps to recover damages after being rear-ended in a chain-reaction crash.