What You Need to Know About Multi-Vehicle Collisions

People injured in a multi-vehicle collision may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault parties to cover expenses and losses. However, multi-vehicle collisions are incredibly complex. It’s essential to have an attorney on your side with the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate the crash, determine fault, and build a compelling case on your behalf.

Injured in a multi-car crash? Don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal rights and options. Contact the experts at Weaver Law Firm today for a free case review to discuss how we can protect your interests after a multi-car wreck.

What Is a Multi-Car Accident?

Although a multi-car accident can technically refer to an accident involving two vehicles, the term is commonly used to describe accidents involving three or more cars. These crashes are also sometimes referred to as “pileups” or “chain-reaction crashes” if numerous vehicles are involved.

Who Is Responsible for a Multi-Car Accident?

Determining responsibility for a multi-car accident can quickly become a complicated task. Many multi-car accidents involve a chain reaction of collisions between vehicles. In some cases, the chain of collisions may be continued because of a subsequent driver’s negligence or recklessness. As a result, the fault for a multi-car accident may be assigned to multiple people.

Proving Fault in a Multiple Car Accident

Proving fault for a multi-vehicle crash could require examining evidence such as:

• Police accident reports
• Accident scene photos and video
• Surveillance camera/traffic camera/dashcam footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Vehicle damage reports
• Data from vehicle electronic data recorders
• Accident reconstruction reports

What Kind of Insurance Coverage Do I Need If I’m Involved in a Multi-Car Accident?

If you are involved in a multi-car collision that was not your fault, you will likely want to have insurance coverage that includes:

• Personal injury protection or MedPay coverage, which will help pay for medical expenses immediately after the crash, regardless of who may have been at fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, in the event the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or in the likely event that their liability coverage will be quickly exhausted by claims from multiple accident victims.
• Collision and comprehensive coverage to help pay for repairs to your car, which likely has sustained damage at multiple points due to colliding with several vehicles.

Finally, you will also want to ensure you have adequate bodily injury and property damage liability coverage to protect yourself from any claims for compensation from other drivers. Liability coverage will also help pay for legal fees if you must defend yourself from a claim.

What Should I Do to Protect Myself If I’m Involved in a Multi-Car Crash?

Steps to take to protect your rights and options after being involved in a multi-vehicle pileup include:

• Documenting the accident scene by taking photos or video with your smartphone. Make sure to get the contact and insurance information from each driver involved.
• Seeking medical attention to get examined for any physical injuries you may have sustained in the crash.
• Avoiding discussing the crash or your claim on social media or with friends and family.
• Speaking with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident so they can begin investigating the accident and advising you of your rights and options.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Some of the most frequent causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:

• Heavy or stop-and-go traffic
• The open highway quickly turning into gridlock
• Low-visibility conditions
• Tailgating
• Black ice
• Hazards at the crest of a hill or a curve
• Distracted driving
• Construction zones

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After you have been injured in a multi-vehicle collision, a car accident lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for your recovery and losses by:

• Collecting and reviewing evidence from the crash and working with accident reconstruction experts, where necessary, to determine who can be held liable for your injuries.
• Documenting the full extent of your losses, including pain and suffering and lost quality of life.
• Filing your claims for compensation with the responsible parties and applicable insurance companies.
• Aggressively negotiating for a settlement that pays you fair and full compensation and taking your claim to court and trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.

Don’t wait to contact the car accident lawyers at Weaver Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.