Is the party at fault in an auto accident liable for everything?

Question

We were involved in an accident. One party ran thru a stop sign without stopping and hit our car. Our car then spinned around and hit another car causing major damages and injuries to the 3rd car. It was reported in the police report and concluded the party running thru the stop sign is at fault. Under this situation, will the party at fault liable for everything even the 3rd car was hit by us? How will insurance company typically handle situation like this regarding the compensation?

Answer 1

The person who ran the stop sign was the proximate cause of the accident.  However, depending on your state's joint and several liability laws, you could also be brought in.  It doesn't necessarily mean that your insurance company would pay anything, but if the other party was seriously injured a good attorney will bring every potential party in.  For example,  in MA, if you are a passenger in a vehicle, and you can find just 1% negligence on the operator of either vehicle, both must contribute 50% towards the settlement.  Strange law, but that is just how it is.

Answer 2

The first car that CAUSE the pile up is responsible.  Their insurance will automatically pay for everything.

You are not responsible.

Good Luck...

Answer 3

Your a victim just as the 3rd vehicle is.  The liable parties insurance should cover damages to both vehicles and any injuries sustained.

As for compensation, (depending on what state you live in) the 'at fault' vehicles insurance is responsible for lost wages, pain & suffering & medical for each person in the other vehicles.  The only time there would be a situation, is if the the liable party has low policy limits for bodily injury and property damage.

Answer 4

my understanding the first car will have to cover all with their insurance and you shouldn't need to touch yours. good luck with it all, hope no one was hurt to bad.

Answer 5

Generally, yes, the "at-fault" party is responsible for everything.

In the scenario you described, the initial party is entirely at fault for everything because the second collision resulted directly from action caused by the first impact, and that first impact was the sole responsibility of the other driver, not you.

Answer 6

The driver is liable when they went through a stop sign.

Your insurance has nothing to do with it.

All falls on the law breaker in this case.