If I recently lost control of my car and caused another car to crash into a third car, can I held liable for any damage from that accident?
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If I recently lost control of my car and caused another car to crash into a third car, can I held liable for any damage from that accident?
I was recently involved in a weather related auto accident. I was driving to work and drove over a patch of black ice. I lost control of my car eventually slamming into the center cement median. Incredibly, I did not hit any other vehicle, nor was I hit by anyone. I found out later that while several other drivers were able to avoid hitting me, one driver that was trying to avoid me hit another driver causing an accident.
Asked on February 20, 2014 under Accident Law, Illinois
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You are liable for the accident in which a second car trying to avoid you, struck a third car. You would be liable because you started the chain of causation resulting in the other accident. Your liability would include property damage to the other vehicles and personal injury claims of the occupants of those vehicles. Property damage would be the cost of repairs to those vehicles. The personal injury claims would include medical bills, pain and suffering, and wage loss. Pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the medical bills.
It would be advisable to refer the matter to your auto insurance carrier.
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