Financial liability for a car accident is defined by negligence, so if a negligent driver caused you to hit another car, they could be liable for the accident’s costs. Chain reaction accident claims can pose legal challenges that can be hard to manage on your own. They can also mean dealing with more than one insurance company and multiple sets of claim forms and information requests.
The question of what if another vehicle caused me to hit another car can have a complex answer. You do not have to manage this kind of claim without legal support. A Fort Lauderdale car crash attorney can guide you in avoiding financial hardship after an accident you did not cause. Most law firms will review your claim for free and describe the legal strategy that leads to adequate compensation.
Defining Negligence in Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
An at-fault party’s negligence is the key to recovering damages for car accident victims. When an accident involves multiple vehicles, it can make identifying and proving negligence a complicated process. If you are represented by a lawyer, they will prove its legal elements that build an effective claim against the negligent party, including:
- Duty of care—Each driver’s responsibility to safeguard other drivers and pedestrians by following the rules of the road
- Breach of duty—The at-fault driver’s action (or failure to take appropriate action) that led to the collision
- Causation—The direct correlation between the at-fault driver’s action (or inaction) and your accident and resulting accident injuries
- Damages—The economic and non-economic consequences you experience due to the auto accident
Proving these elements allows fault for the accident to be allocated among the contributing parties. If a driver is found to bear 100% liability, they will be responsible for all resulting accident costs.
How Do You Prove Another Driver Caused You to Hit Another Car?
Multiple cars crashing into each other can create confusion around negligence and financial liability. Where your car was positioned (first, middle, last) could also be a factor in liability. You do not have to unravel this type of complicated legal situation on your own.
A lawyer can collect the following evidence that proves another car caused your accident:
- Medical records that describe the cause of your injuries
- Medical records and prognosis that detail your treatment costs
- Photos and videos that captured the crash and its aftermath
- Official police report with narratives, notes, and diagrams
- Statements from eyewitnesses and relevant experts
- Accident reconstruction reports that describe each car’s position
- Employment records that prove the value of your lost income
A lawyer can gather evidence, compile it into a cohesive case file, and submit it to the at-fault driver’s insurance company with your settlement demand letter.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover from the At-Fault Driver?
The damages recoverable from a car accident vary significantly between injured parties. In addition, it can be hard to understand all the damages you are entitled to recover, which can include:
- Recoverable economic damages include medical bills until your recovery is complete, lost wages until you can return to work, and property damage, destruction, or diminished value.
- Recoverable non-economic damages include short- and long-term disabling and disfiguring severe injuries, physical pain and suffering, ongoing mental and emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable) include funeral, burial, and cremation costs, loss of financial and household support, and loss of consortium, companionship, care, and support.
Your lawyer will collect evidence that supports your recoverable damages and negotiate the best possible financial outcome for you and your family.
Filing Deadlines for Car Accident Lawsuits in Fort Lauderdale
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Florida changed in 2024, adding to potential confusion. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
In addition, Florida Statutes § 95.051 describes statute of limitations exceptions that could extend the filing deadline, which can create additional confusion. The best way to handle it is to let a lawyer file for you. They can interpret and comply with the filing deadline, allowing you to avoid the potentially costly consequences of non-compliance.
Is Hiring a Lawyer Necessary to Sue the Driver Who Caused Your Multi-Car Accident?
While you are not required to have a lawyer, your claim for damages—especially a complex one like this—could benefit from legal support. A car accident attorney can:
- Speak to all relevant parties on your behalf
- Draft and file your auto insurance claim and lawsuit
- Handle all verbal, written, and virtual communication
- Collect evidence that proves financial liability
Hiring a lawyer also means you are protected from speedy settlements and bad faith insurance practices. Your lawyer can also keep you updated and informed, so you are not left wondering about your claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
The cost of representation by a car accident lawyer does not have to prevent you from hiring one. Most will accept your claim on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out of your own pocket.
You will only compensate the law firm after you get compensation from the liable party. Plus, you will not owe any legal or attorney’s fees at all if you do not receive a financial award.
Get Legal Support if Another Vehicle Caused You to Hit Another Car
If you or a loved one was injured in a multi-car accident, you could be entitled to compensation even if you hit another vehicle. Our car accident lawyers can help you identify the at-fault driver and prove your right to financial compensation.
Find out what to do if another vehicle causes you to hit another car with a free claim review. Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today.
