Brakes squeal. A bump. Another bump. Then silence, and a line of crushed cars across the lanes. In a chain-reaction wreck, each driver may say, “I was pushed into the car in front.” Sorting out what really happened can be hard.
Why these cases get complicated
More vehicles mean more drivers, more insurance companies, and more versions of the story. Each insurer has its own reason to point toward someone else. You may be told that you hit the car in front, when in fact you were hit from behind first.
Texas shares blame by percentage
Texas lets a jury assign a percentage of responsibility to each person involved. A claimant found more than 50 percent responsible cannot recover damages. If the claimant is not barred, the court reduces the damages by the claimant’s percentage of responsibility.
Where the proof comes from
- Vehicle damage. The pattern of impacts can show the order of events. Photograph every car before repairs.
- Positions at rest. Where the cars ended up.
- Cameras. Traffic cameras, businesses, and dash cameras.
- Witnesses. Other drivers and passengers.
- The crash report. It helps, but it is one officer’s summary.
- Your medical records. They show how you were hurt and when.
What to do at the scene
- If you can, move to a safe place and call 911.
- Photograph all the vehicles and the road.
- Get names, plates, and insurance details from everyone.
- Do not say whose fault it was. Say what you saw, and only if asked by police.
- Get checked by a medical provider.
Afterward
Several insurers may call you. Do not give a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer. Keep your car unrepaired until the damage has been documented. Keep all bills, pay records, and a short journal of how you are feeling.
The deadline
A Texas personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues.
Hurt in a chain-reaction wreck? Contact Leatherwood & Schindler, PLLC today.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed because of someone else’s carelessness, talk with attorneys Hogan Leatherwood and Claire Schindler at Leatherwood & Schindler, PLLC today to discuss your personal injury case. Call us toll-free at (877) 664-6665 or visit lstrial.com. Every consultation with any lawyer at Leatherwood & Schindler is free and confidential.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Sending us a message does not by itself mean we represent you; please do not send confidential details until we confirm that we can discuss your matter. Attorneys responsible for this content: Hogan Leatherwood and Claire Schindler, Leatherwood & Schindler, PLLC, 2000 West Loop S., Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77027.