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Multi-car accidents — also called chain-reaction crashes — are common at busy intersections and on I-4. Determining fault in these accidents is complicated because multiple drivers may share responsibility.
Florida law requires fault to be determined before injured victims can pursue compensation beyond their PIP benefits.
How Multi-Car Accidents Typically Happen
Common scenarios include:
- Rear-end chain reactions at stoplights
- High-speed crashes on I-4 or the Turnpike
- Cars swerving to avoid a sudden stop
- A distracted driver hitting one vehicle, pushing it into another
The biggest challenge: each driver has a different version of the story.
How Liability Is Determined
To establish fault, we look at:
- Crash reports
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage
- Black box (event data recorder) vehicle data
- Cell phone records (texting or distraction evidence)
- Witness statements
Jerry frequently sends preservation letters to ensure that video and data are not deleted.
Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule (Important)
As of 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule:
If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
This is why insurance companies aggressively point fingers in multi-car crashes — their goal is to shift blame away from their driver.
Why You Should Never Admit Fault
You don’t have all the facts at the scene. The chain reaction may have started several cars back. A driver might have been:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Distracted
- Following too closely
- Under the influence
Even saying something harmless like “I’m sorry” can be twisted into admitting fault.
What You Should Do After a Multi-Car Accident
- Get medical care — even if you “feel okay.”
- Photograph everything — damage, skid marks, traffic signals.
- Get witness contact info.
- Contact Jerry before speaking to any insurance company.
Insurance will try to get you to speculate about what happened. Don’t.
FAQs — Multi-Car Accident Liability
Free Consultation — Jerry Jenkins, Orlando / Clermont
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, the last thing you need is a law firm where your case gets handed off or processed through a call center. When you reach out to The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, you get an experienced attorney — not a gatekeeper, not an intake drone, not a rotating cast of attorneys you’ve never spoken to. The experienced attorney will personally evaluates every case and walks you through what to expect, what your rights are, and whether the insurance company’s offer is fair.
You don’t need to decide anything during that first call — no pressure, no commitment. The goal is simple: give you clarity. If you choose to work with Jerry, he handles the negotiation with the insurance company while you focus on healing. He deals with adjusters every day. He knows their tactics. And he knows how to secure the compensation you deserve — not the lowball number they hope you’ll accept.
You get one chance at a settlement. Before you sign anything, make sure someone who knows what these cases are worth is in your corner.
