Who’s At Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Crash? What to Know After the Downtown L.A. and Lincoln Heights Accidents

Two crashes. Five injuries.  

Between May 20 and May 23, 2025, two serious multi-vehicle collisions occurred just miles apart in Los Angeles – one at Third and Alameda in Downtown L.A., and the other on North Broadway in Lincoln Heights. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but the damage was done. In both cases, victims were hospitalized, one had to be extricated from a mangled car, and investigations are still ongoing. 

If you’ve been involved in a multi-car crash like these, one question always comes up: 

Who’s legally responsible – and how do you prove it? 

Let’s break it down. 

What Immediate Steps Should You Take After a Crash?

Before any talk of lawsuits or insurance claims, your focus needs to be safety and evidence. 

Here’s what to do right away: 

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
   Even if you feel fine – internal injuries can go undetected. 

1. Document Everything
   Photos of the vehicles, skid marks, injuries, and road conditions are vital. 

1. Get Witness Contact Info
   Third-party witnesses can make or break liability disputes. 

1. Don’t Admit Fault or Talk to Insurance Alone
   What you say early can be twisted later. Speak to a lawyer first. 

“In the moments after a crash, everything feels like a blur,” says Arthur Dermendjian, Prelitigation Managing Attorney at J&Y Law. “Your adrenaline is high, your mind is racing, and the last thing you need is a phone call from an insurance adjuster fishing for soundbites. I’ve seen too many good people try to ‘do the right thing’ and end up hurting their case because they didn’t know the rules of the game. This is why having an experienced legal team matters. We step in early – not to escalate, but to protect. From securing footage before it’s deleted, to interviewing witnesses while memories are still fresh. Early action shapes outcomes.” 

How Is Fault Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Crash?

Multi-car accidents often involve a chain reaction – meaning more than one driver may be responsible. Fault is determined by looking at: 

• Police reports 

• Surveillance or dash cam footage 

• Witness statements 

• Vehicle damage patterns 

• Road and weather conditions 

California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means liability can be shared. One driver might be 70% at fault, another 30%. Each party pays according to their share of blame. 

“In multi-vehicle cases, the truth often hides in the details,” explains Dermendjian. “I’ve handled cases where the client was initially blamed 100%, only for us to uncover that another driver’s brake lights were out, or a third vehicle had been speeding through a blind turn. Fault isn’t about who yells the loudest at the scene – it’s about evidence, reconstruction, and persistence. We don’t guess. We investigate, interview, and analyze every inch of the story until liability speaks for itself.” 

What Role Does Negligence Play?

Negligence is the legal backbone of almost every personal injury claim. In car accidents, that could mean: 

• Distracted driving (texting, GPS) 

• Speeding or reckless behavior 

• Running stop signs or lights 

• Following too closely 

• Driving under the influence 

If a driver fails to act with reasonable care and causes harm, they can be held legally accountable. 

What Compensation Can Victims Seek?

If you’ve been injured in a car crash like the ones in Downtown L.A. or Lincoln Heights, you may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Medical bills (including long-term care) 

• Lost wages 

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional distress 

• Vehicle and property damage 

• Permanent disability or disfigurement 

And you don’t have to wait until the investigation ends to start protecting your rights. 

“We often meet people who don’t even realize the full extent of what they’ve lost,” says Dermendjian. “They’re focused on immediate bills, but not the time off work, the sleepless nights, or the strain on their family. Our job is to lift the hood on your story and make sure no harm goes uncounted. We work with doctors, vocational experts, and even grief counselors when needed. We want to tell the whole truth about what this crash took from you.” 

What’s the Best Way to Protect Your Rights After a Crash?

• Get immediate medical care (even if you’re uninsured) 

• Call a personal injury lawyer with experience in multi-vehicle collisions 

• Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company directly 

• Save all records – from tow slips to Uber rides post-injury 

Hurt in a Multi-Vehicle Crash? Let’s Talk.

At J&Y Law, we’ve handled hundreds of complex auto collision cases across Los Angeles, including many where fault wasn’t clear – until we made it clear. 

Call (424) 453-2310 for a free case evaluation. No win, no fee. 

We’ll walk you through your options, gather the evidence, and go to work so you can focus on recovery. 

Because in L.A., the roads are tough. That’s why your legal team should be tougher.