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Car accidents can happen in many different ways, leaving both drivers and their passengers suffering serious personal injuries. In some cases, a single crash can end up triggering a chain reaction, involving multiple vehicles on both sides of the road. A recent tragic car accident in Fort Myers highlights the potential dangers. In this type of situation, it is important to be aware of your rights to seek compensation in a claim.
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Car Accident in Fort Myers
A fatal car accident in Fort Myers claimed the life of a local man. Tragically, it happened on Father’s Day weekend. According to a June 25, 2020 news report by South Coast Today, the crash happened on the southbound side of Interstate 75, at the Bayshore Road overpass. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 36-year-old Fort Myers man driving the wrong way on the interstate was to blame.
The man was heading northbound in the southbound lanes when an SUV driven by a Lehigh Acres woman collided with him. The SUV spun out in the opposite direction due to the force of the crash, while the wrong-way driver’s pick-up truck ended up in the median. As he got out of the truck to exchange information with the other driver, he was struck by a sedan driven by a Fairhaven woman, killing the wrong-way driver instantly. She had two passengers in her vehicle and all were taken to local hospitals with serious injuries.
Determining Who is to Blame for a Multi-Vehicle Accident
In the above crash, it is clear that the wrong-way driver was responsible for the multi-vehicle accident. In this type of case, the drivers involved would have a right to file a claim against his insurer or his estate. The injured passengers in the vehicle that hit him have the right to hold him liable, as well. They may also be entitled to seek compensation from the driver of the vehicle in which they were riding.
Under the Florida Statutes, motorists can be held financially responsible for car accidents in which they are only partly to blame. The amount they would be liable for would depend on the percentage for which they were considered at fault. For example:
- You are a victim in a multi-vehicle car accident and suffer an estimated $100,000 in damages;
- One of the drivers involved is determined to be 75% responsible for the crash. This means they would be liable for paying $75,000 of the damages you suffered.
- Another driver involved (this could be the driver of the vehicle you are in if you are a passenger) is determined to be 25% at fault. This means they would be liable for paying $25,000 of your damages.
Reach Out to Our Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are complex. This is particularly true in multi-vehicle accidents. To ensure you get the total amount of compensation you need to recover, reach out to Bernardo Law. Contact our Fort Myers car accident attorney and request a consultation to discuss your case today.