What if Multiple Parties are at Fault in a Car Accident?
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
When multiple parties are involved in a car accident, determining fault is a priority before claims can be filed. You may find that more than one party is at fault, complicating the matter even further. How will you know how to file your claim? Will you need to file more than one? The entire process can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
If you find yourself in a situation where multiple parties are at-fault, you may be confused about how to obtain the compensation you need. This is where an accomplished Michigan auto accident attorney can help. Although Michigan is a no-fault state, there are factors to consider when identifying how and where to seek compensation.
When multiple parties are found at-fault, you can file a claim against each party. However, be aware that if you are even slightly responsible yourself for the accident, you may be assessed partial fault.
Michigan is a No-Fault State
As a no-fault state, you will automatically receive insurance benefits, including medical expenses and lost wages in Michigan. These are available to you regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Yet, often there are more damages involved, and seeking further compensation is imperative.
Assigning Fault
If multiple parties contributed to the accident, a percentage of fault must be assigned to each party.
To start, a decision must be made as to how much each party contributed to the overall accident. Your personal injury attorney, along with the insurance companies and the court, will make this determination.
To assign fault percentages, a thorough review of the accident takes place, prompting the need for good records. Accident reports, police reports, and statements by all involved, including witnesses, are examined by all parties.
Each party’s insurance company will likely attempt to shift blame to the other parties, so having a top-notch Michigan car accident lawyer on your side limits these conversations.
The responsible parties are assigned percentages based on fault for the compensation you are seeking. Each of these parties will be accountable for that percentage in any settlement or trial verdict.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Michigan follows the modified comparative negligence model when it comes to assigning fault in a multiple vehicle accident. In a personal injury claim, this model assigns a percentage to each responsible party. However, if you, the injured party, is found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the car accident, you will not receive any compensation from the other responsible parties.
Contact Our Accident Attorneys Today
Finding yourself involved in a multiple car accident with more than one responsible party can be complicated when it comes to assigning fault. Our expert personal injury lawyers here at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. understand the process and will work diligently to obtain rightful compensation for your injuries. Call our law firm today at 866-MICH-LAW and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim to assign fault percentage.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.