Multi-car accidents can be terrifying. When several vehicles collide on I-287 or the Hutchinson River Parkway, chaos follows—sirens, damaged cars, and unsure drivers wondering who caused what. Sorting out fault in a pileup crash isn’t simple, especially in New York, where multiple drivers may share responsibility.
At Gash & Associates, P.C. in White Plains, we help people injured in multi-car accidents understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
What Is a Multi-Car Pileup?
A multi-car pileup happens when three or more vehicles crash in a chain reaction. These accidents are common on highways or in bad weather, when visibility is poor or traffic is heavy. One driver may rear-end another, setting off a domino effect.
Pileups can happen for many reasons:
- A distracted driver fails to stop in time.
- Slippery roads cause cars to slide.
- Speeding drivers can’t slow down before impact.
Once the first crash occurs, the cars behind often don’t have time or space to avoid the wreck.
How Is Fault Determined?
New York follows a comparative fault system. This means that each driver involved can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions. You can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—your compensation is just reduced by your share of responsibility.
To determine fault, investigators use:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction experts
Sometimes, it takes time to understand how the crash unfolded and which drivers made critical mistakes.
Who Pays for Damages?
New York is a no-fault insurance state, so your own insurance company will pay for your medical bills and lost wages—up to your policy limits—no matter who caused the crash.
But if you were seriously injured, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver(s) to recover damages like pain and suffering, additional medical expenses, or lost future earnings. In a multi-car crash, you might end up filing against more than one person.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Multi-vehicle accidents are complicated. Insurance companies will try to avoid responsibility or shift blame. Without strong legal support, you could end up with far less than you need.
At Gash & Associates, P.C., we investigate the crash, identify all responsible parties, and fight to make sure you’re treated fairly.
FAQ
Can I still recover damages if I’m partly at fault?
Yes. Under New York’s comparative fault rule, you can recover compensation even if you share some blame. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if I was hit by more than one vehicle?
You may be able to file claims against multiple drivers, depending on each person’s share of the fault.
Do I need to sue multiple drivers?
In some cases, yes—but we’ll explore all options first, including settlements through insurance.
If you were injured in a multi-car accident in Westchester County, call Gash & Associates, P.C. at (914) 328-8800. We’re here to help.
