Who Can Be Held Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Case in Texas?

Assigning blame in multi-vehicle accidents, often referred to as chain-reaction or pile-up accidents, can be complicated. In Texas, more than one party can be held responsible, depending on their role in the accident. To find out whether you might be liable, it is wise to consult a Houston, TX car accident lawyer.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Case in Texas?

The Primary At-Fault Driver

The driver who initiated the accident is often the first person investigated for liability. For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle, causing that vehicle to hit a third car, the initial driver may bear the bulk of the responsibility. Texas law allows for this driver to be held liable if it can be proven that their negligence, whether that was speeding, distracted driving, or following too closely, set off the chain of events.

Other Negligent Drivers

In a multi-car accident, it rarely happens that only one driver is to blame, and multiple drivers can be found partially at fault for the incident. For instance, if another driver failed to maintain a safe following distance, their actions may have contributed to the severity of the accident, even if they were not its primary cause. Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, you may recover damages only if you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Vehicle Owners

The owner of a vehicle, if different from the driver, may be held liable under specific circumstances. For example, if a vehicle owner knowingly allows an unlicensed or intoxicated person to drive their car, they could be liable under the principle of negligent entrustment.

Employers

If one of the drivers involved in the accident was operating a vehicle for work purposes, their employer might be held vicariously liable. This falls under a doctrine called “respondeat superior,” which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those employees are acting within the scope of their employment.

Government Entities

In certain situations, liability may extend to a government entity. This might be the case if issues such as poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident. Suing a government entity involves special legal procedures and limitations under the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Manufacturers

If a defect in a vehicle, such as brake failure or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part may be held liable under product liability laws.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX

If you have been in a multi-car accident, it’s important that your rights be protected and that you get a fair amount of compensation for the damages you have suffered. An attorney with experience in car-related personal injury law can help you understand where you are, legally speaking, and represent you in discussions with insurance companies and in court if necessary.

To build your case on a firm foundation, contact us at Doran & Cawthorne PLLC in Houston, TX, for an initial consultation.

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