In some car accident cases, more than one party may be at fault. When multiple defendants are involved, the case becomes more complex, but it’s still possible to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to handle a car accident case involving multiple defendants in Raleigh, NC, and the legal process involved.
1. Identify All Potential Defendants
In a car accident, there may be multiple parties responsible for the crash. This can include other drivers, government agencies (in cases involving unsafe roads), or even vehicle manufacturers (in cases of defective equipment). Identifying all parties responsible is the first step in building a strong case.
2. Determine Shared Liability
In many cases involving multiple defendants, liability may be shared. This is where comparative negligence comes into play. North Carolina follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. A car accident lawyer will help you establish the degree of fault for each defendant and ensure your case is presented accurately.
3. Collect Evidence from All Defendants
To prove liability, it’s essential to gather evidence from all parties involved. This may include witness statements, police reports, vehicle damage assessments, and expert testimony. Your lawyer will collect and organize the necessary evidence to demonstrate who is responsible and to what extent.
4. Negotiating with Multiple Insurers
When multiple defendants are involved, you may be dealing with more than one insurance company. Negotiating with several insurers can be challenging, as each party will want https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=ebea7bc909a64a25bb50444a099259ff&extent=-80.8389,35.0881,-80.836,35.0896 to limit its liability. Having a lawyer handle these negotiations can help ensure you’re not left with an inadequate settlement.
5. Filing Separate Claims or a Single Lawsuit
In cases with multiple defendants, you may need to file separate claims with each insurance company, or you may choose to file a single lawsuit that involves all defendants. Your lawyer will advise you on the best approach based on the circumstances of your case.
Conclusion
Dealing with multiple defendants in a car accident case adds complexity, but with the right approach and legal guidance, you can still recover the compensation you deserve. If you've been involved in a multi-defendant car accident in Raleigh, NC, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your case and navigate the complexities of shared liability and insurance negotiations.