Navigating a Multi-Vehicle Accident in California

California is home to the second-most road miles in the country, with 396,540 total miles. From the busy Los Angeles streets to the scenic stretches of the Pacific Coast highway, California experiences a high volume of traffic and diverse array of vehicles traveling along its roadways. Unfortunately, this correlates with the state’s high volume of annual multi-vehicle accidents.  

At The Barnes Firm, our team understands how stressful and complex the aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured in an accident, call our team of trusted motor vehicle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation. 

How Often Do Multi–Vehicle Accidents Occur in California? 

In 2022 alone, there were over 1,900 multi-vehicle crashes in the state of California. Multi-vehicle accidents are when more than two types of motor vehicles—cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more—are involved in a crash. With California already consistently ranking as one of the most dangerous states for motorists in the United States, multi-vehicle accidents are a major contributor to the state’s high accident injury and fatality percentages.  

Types of Multi–Vehicle Accidents in California 

There are a variety of types of multi-vehicle accidents that can occur in California. They’re often heavily dependent on the types of vehicles involved and where they occurred. Our attorneys have identified the following most common types of multi-vehicle accidents: 

• Head-on Collisions. A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles directly strike one another in the front. These are often dangerous accidents, as the force of the collision impact is absorbed by the front ends of both vehicles, where the drivers are.  
• Rear-End Collisions. These collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another, sometimes causing domino effect of multiple rear-ends when vehicles are pushed into one another when traffic is dense, or cars are following one another closely. 
• Pileup Accidents. Pileups involve multiple vehicles colliding in a chain reaction, often leaving a complex multi-vehicle crash scene.
• Side-Impact Collisions. Also known as T-bones, these are crashes where one vehicle strikes the side of another.

What To Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident 

After any multi-vehicle accident in California, there are certain measures you can take to protect your health and preserve valuable evidence that may impact your claim going forward. Our attorneys recommend that you:

• Get to somewhere safe. If possible, remove yourself from the wreckage and seek a safe place nearby. Then, check yourself and anyone else who was in your vehicle for injuries. 
• Call emergency services. Contact emergency services so that an ambulance, police, and any other necessary emergency responders arrive at the scene.  
• Receive medical attention. Even if you feel fine, not all motor vehicle accident injuries are immediately apparent. Some injuries, like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) require a medical professional to diagnose them. Thus, receiving medical attention from a doctor is crucial to your health and for preserving evidence of injuries caused by the incident. 
• Gather evidence. After motor vehicle accidents, evidence that can support a personal injury claim is crucial. This includes taking photographs and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any associated property damage. Additionally, you’ll want to get the contact and insurance information of other motorists involved in your crash. Furthermore, copies of the police report, doctor’s notes, and receipts from medical expenses are also pieces of evidence you’ll want to have. 
• Consult with a lawyer at The Barnes Firm. Speaking with a California motor vehicle accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm will help you gain a better understanding of your rights, a clear and strategic plan towards pursuing compensation, as well as a legal advocate on your side. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 to claim your FREE case evaluation today. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Accident? 

Multi-vehicle accidents in California can involve a variety of vehicles, individuals, and contributing factors. With that in mind, determining who was liable for an accident can be very complex, especially in incidents where multiple parties and external factors played a role. In the state of California, the following parties may be liable for your accident: 

• Another vehicle driver 
• Bus drivers 
• Truck drivers 
• Motorcyclists 
• Bicyclists 
• Pedestrians 
• Rideshare drivers 
• Taxi Drivers 
• Government entities or Municipalities. 

How is Liability for a Multi-Vehicle Accident Determined in California? 

Determining liability for any kind of accident in California can be a complex and lengthy process to handle on your own. California follows a pure comparative negligence statute, meaning that even if someone is partially at-fault for an accident, they can still file for financial compensation. In other words, even if you partly caused your multi-vehicle accident, you are still eligible to be compensated for your injuries and losses. Here is an example of how this works: 

Driver A was driving 45 mph in a 35 mph speed zone while distracted on their phone. Driver B ran a red light and struck Driver A’s vehicle. As a result, Driver A incurred $20,000 in damages but was also found to be 40% at-fault for the crash. Therefore, Driver B is found to be 60% at-fault. 

With that in mind, each driver is then able to pursue limited compensation based on their assigned degrees of fault. Therefore, Driver A can pursue compensation for 60% of their $20,000 in damages ($12,000), which Driver B is liable for. On the other hand, Driver B can pursue compensation for 40% of their total damages because of the crash. 

Pursuable Damages After a Multi-Vehicle Accident 

After an accident in California, you may pursue compensation for injuries and losses that you incurred as a result of the crash. Pursuable damages typically consist of: 

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages 
• Pain and suffering 
• Property damage 
• Lost future earnings 
• Emotional distress 
• Ongoing medical treatment or therapy 
• And more… 

To learn more about pursuing compensation for losses you’ve incurred following an accident, speak with a California personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm today by calling us at (800) 800-0000. 

Wrongful Deaths Caused By Multi-Vehicle Accidents 

Sometimes multi-vehicle accidents in California result in the wrongful death of a loved one. When they do, families are left with immense emotional trauma and financial burdens. Wrongful death claims are a means of compensating families for the loss of companionship and financial expenses they’ve been left with. To learn more about filing a wrongful death claim in the state of California, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000. 

After an Accident, Call The Barnes Firm 

At The Barnes Firm, we understand how complex and stressful the aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be. While you prioritize recovery, allow us to prioritize the legal aspects of your case and help you get the best result possible. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation. It could be the best call you make. 

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes