Multi-car accidents can occur in a variety of ways. One of the most common multi-car collisions we see is the multi-car rear end crash.
Generally, in these cases, a driver rear ends another car and subsequently pushes that car into a third vehicle. Fault for all multi-car accidents is determined on a case-by-case basis.
In the scenario provided above, the at-fault driver is the one that caused the first collision, thereby starting a chain reaction. However, if the second car was tailgating or speeding, then that driver could also be found negligent and contributing to the accident. It is important to note that North Carolina law applies contributory negligence for auto accidents. This means that even if a driver is deemed to be only 1% at fault for contributing to the accident, their recovery could be barred.
Contributory negligence is a complicated legal issue, which is why having an experienced auto accident attorney on your side is imperative in multi-car accident and other injury cases.