How to Handle a Multiple Vehicle Car Accident in Detroit
As Detroit car accident attorneys, we know that multi-vehicle collisions can quickly become complicated. These accidents often involve chain reactions, conflicting accounts of what happened, and multiple injured parties. From pileups on the freeway to intersection crashes with three or more cars, figuring out who is at fault—and how compensation will be handled—requires careful legal work. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving multiple vehicles, it’s important to understand how Michigan’s unique car accident laws apply to your case.
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, but that doesn’t mean fault doesn’t matter. While your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical expenses and some wage loss, serious injuries can allow you to sue the at-fault driver, or drivers, for additional compensation. When more than two vehicles are involved, determining fault and sorting through each insurance company’s responsibilities becomes more challenging. That’s where our legal team steps in.
What To Do Immediately After A Multi-Vehicle Accident
The steps you take right after a crash can affect your ability to recover compensation. First and foremost, seek medical attention for yourself and others. Then, if you’re physically able, gather as much information as possible at the scene:
- Call the police so an official report is created
- Take photos of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and road conditions
- Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved
- Record the names and numbers of witnesses
Do not admit fault, speculate about what happened, or discuss details with other drivers. Simply report the facts to the officer and your insurance company.
Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law
Under Michigan’s No-Fault Act (MCL 500.3101), all drivers must carry no-fault insurance, which covers:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages (up to 85% of income for up to three years)
- Replacement services (for household tasks)
This coverage applies regardless of who caused the crash. However, when you suffer a “serious impairment of body function” as defined under MCL 500.3135, you may file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In multi-car accidents, identifying that driver—or drivers—becomes essential.
Determining Fault In A Multi-Car Crash
Michigan follows a comparative fault rule under MCL 600.2959. This means more than one person can be held partially responsible for the accident. If you are found to be partially at fault, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you may recover $80,000. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Our legal team investigates crash reports, video evidence, and insurance records to determine how the accident happened and who is legally responsible. We work with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary to prove fault.
Why Multi-Vehicle Claims Are More Complex
In three-car or four-car pileups, insurance companies often point fingers at one another. Each driver’s version of events may differ. There may be more than one at-fault party, which means more than one insurance policy might be responsible for your damages. Filing claims with multiple carriers increases the risk of denial, delay, or lowball settlements.
We handle these cases by:
- Collecting and analyzing all available evidence
- Speaking directly with insurance adjusters
- Filing lawsuits when insurers refuse to act fairly
- Seeking compensation from every available source
When Commercial Or Government Vehicles Are Involved
If a commercial truck, bus, or government vehicle is part of the accident, your case involves additional rules. These parties often have legal teams ready to limit liability. Claims against government vehicles are subject to different filing deadlines and notice requirements under the Governmental Tort Liability Act (MCL 691.1401 et seq.). We ensure all deadlines are met and your claim is positioned for success.
Auto Accident Claim Frequently Asked Questions
What If More Than One Driver Caused The Accident?
In Michigan, you can pursue compensation from multiple at-fault drivers. The court may assign a percentage of fault to each party. You may recover damages from all responsible parties based on their share of liability. It’s critical to have a legal team that knows how to pursue claims from multiple sources.
Can I Still File A Lawsuit If I Have No-Fault Insurance?
Yes. Your PIP coverage handles your basic expenses, but if your injuries meet the legal threshold of a serious impairment under MCL 500.3135, you may sue for pain and suffering, excess medical costs, and other losses not covered by your no-fault policy.
What If I Was A Passenger In One Of The Vehicles?
As a passenger, you may be entitled to PIP benefits from your own insurer or the insurer of the vehicle you were in. You can also pursue third-party claims against any negligent drivers. Passengers are rarely at fault, which makes their claims easier to pursue with the right legal support.
Who Pays For My Car Damage In A Multi-Vehicle Crash?
Vehicle damage may be covered under the “mini tort” law in Michigan. If another driver is at fault, you may recover up to $3,000 in property damage not covered by insurance. If you have collision coverage, your insurer may pay for your repairs regardless of fault.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?
Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident under MCL 600.5805. If a government vehicle is involved, written notice must be given within 120 days. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to sue.
What If An Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
Insurance companies often deny or delay claims in multi-vehicle crashes. We step in immediately to challenge denials, provide evidence of fault, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to under Michigan law. If necessary, we file suit and take the case to court.
Speak With Our Detroit Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a multi-vehicle accident, don’t handle the claim alone. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we know how to deal with complex, multi-party accidents and the insurance companies that try to avoid paying what they owe. We fight for the full compensation our clients deserve—every time.
If your loved one was injured in a car accident, call our Detroit accident lawyers at Ravid & Associates, P.C. by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. From our office in Southfield, we represent clients in Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan. Let us help you get the justice and recovery you deserve.
