Who Covers What in a Three-Car Accident?
I recently experienced an accident involving three cars. The first driver (Driver A) failed to yield while making a sudden left turn at a solid green light. I tried to avoid a collision but ended up getting hit, resulting in front-end damage to my car. Shortly after, the vehicle behind me (Driver B) rear-ended my car, causing additional damage to the rear.
Driver A’s insurance has accepted liability and is covering the damage to the front of my vehicle.
I’m still waiting for an update from the claims department, but it appears that Driver B’s insurance will be liable for the damage to my car’s rear end.
I’m confused about how the payment process will work, considering each insurance company is handling separate damages. My own insurance has indicated it might be a total loss. If that’s the case, how will the insurance companies determine their payout amounts? It feels like they are treating one accident as two different incidents, and I’m not sure how that works. Any guidance would be appreciated, as I’ve never been in an accident before and this is all new to me.
Edit: I’m in Massachusetts.
It sounds like you’re in a complicated situation, but I can help clarify how insurance typically works in a multi-car accident like this one.
Liability Determination: Since Driver A has been determined to be at fault for the initial collision that caused damage to the front of your car, their insurance should cover the cost of the repairs or the value of your vehicle if it’s deemed a total loss.
Rear-End Collision: For the damage caused by Driver B, their insurance would be responsible for the costs associated with the rear-end collision. In general, in most jurisdictions including Massachusetts, rear-end collisions are often automatically assumed to be the fault of the driver who hits the car in front, in this case, Driver B.
Claim Process: Each insurance company will handle their respective claims separately. You will need to submit the necessary documentation for each claim to ensure that both insurance companies assess the damages and coverage accordingly. Make sure to keep records of all your communications and documents related to both claims.
Total Loss Assessment: If your car is determined to be a total loss, both insurance companies (Driver A’s and Driver B’s) will separately assess the value of your car. The total loss value is usually based on the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident, taking into account factors like age, condition, and market value.
Payments: Once both insurance companies determine the value of the damages or total loss, they will issue payments based on their liability determination. It’s important to communicate with both claims adjusters regarding their assessments and the amounts involved.
Your Insurance: Since you mentioned your own insurance company, they may also play a role, especially if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or if you encounter difficulties with the other drivers’ insurance companies.
Given that insurance processes can be complex and vary by case, it’s also advisable to consult with an insurance representative or an attorney if you feel overwhelmed or need specific legal advice regarding your rights and obligations. They can provide tailored assistance, especially considering Massachusetts laws and any potential impacts this may have on your insurance premium.
Don’t hesitate to contact the insurance companies periodically for updates on your claims so you can stay informed throughout the process. Good luck!