Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 1/5/2010

Question
I am in Texas and had an accident in a highway last month  because of the icy roads. The weather here were cold and the roads were snowy and icy that day. I happened to lose control of my car because of an icy patch and my car tried to slide. Before i could gain control again, my car was hit by a truck on the passenger side. There were 3 other vehicles involved in the same accident. Now how will the insurance companies determine the fault? Is it my fault becuase I lost control first or is it the truck's since it hit me first before i could gain control. I do not have collision coverage and my car has been more damaged than any other vehicles involved in that accident? Do i have any claim here, and if its my fault, how bad will it hurt my insurance rates?

I look forward for your reply.

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,  

Answer
Hi Richard,

It's hard to give a blanket answerin this situation. Based on what you have stated, I would conclude that you are at fault because you lost control of your vehicle. If you slid into the trucks lane and there was nothing he could do to avoid hitting you then it would be your fault.

You should try to file a claim on the trucks insurance. The insurance company will take statements from all of the drivers involved and will then decisde who is at fault. Unfortunately, I think it will be you.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh