A multi-car accident can turn into a complicated situation quickly. These types of accidents typically involve three or more vehicles and can result in significant injuries, vehicle damage, traffic jams, and legal issues.
Beow, we’re highlighting the main causes of these types of accidents and some of the unique challenges you may face with a claim for damages following a multi-vehicle crash, according to an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of multi-car pileups. When drivers take their eyes off the road to check their phone, change the radio station or deal with kids in the backseat, they often fail to see traffic slowing or stopping in front of them.
Driving too fast for conditions is another frequent contributing factor in multi-car accidents. When roads are icy, wet or congested, speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to sudden stops or lane changes by other vehicles.
Poor visibility from heavy rain, snow, fog or sun glare often plays a role in chain reaction crashes. When drivers can’t see traffic signals, road signs or other vehicles clearly, they may not be able to anticipate sudden stops or lane changes ahead of them. By the time the vehicle in front of them comes into view, a collision is unavoidable.
Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, cutting other drivers off and excessive speeding increase the risk of multi-vehicle accidents. When one aggravated driver makes an erratic maneuver, it often takes other motorists by surprise and causes a ripple effect of collisions.
Unique Challenges of Multi-Car Accident Claims
Multi-car accidents often involve many parties and layers of complexity. As the victim of such an incident, you’ll face difficulties beyond a typical two-car collision. Insurance companies have to sort out who’s at fault and determine how much each driver is responsible. This process can drag on for months.
More Parties to Deal With
In a multi-car pileup, there are more insurance companies and possibly more lawyers to communicate with. Each party will likely blame the other drivers involved, so determining liability may require extensive investigation.
Higher Costs
With more cars comes more damage, which means higher costs for repairs, medical care, and other expenses. If injuries occurred, the total costs can skyrocket into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The insurance companies have to determine how to divvy up responsibility for these costs among all the parties involved.
Complicated Legal Issues
The legal issues surrounding a multi-car accident are more complicated. Lawyers may need to file lawsuits to force reluctant insurance companies to pay their fair share. Determining negligence and the percentage of fault for each driver often requires litigation.
Seeking Compensation After a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Being involved in a multi-car accident can be traumatic and confusing. When several vehicles collide, determining who is at fault and liable for damages becomes complicated. However, if you’ve suffered injuries or property damage, you deserve to be compensated. Here are some steps to take after a multi-vehicle crash.
Contact the Police and Exchange Information
Call 911 immediately and report the accident. Get the names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details of all other drivers involved. Take pictures of the vehicles, license plates, and the surrounding area.
See a Doctor
Even if you feel fine after the accident, see a doctor. Accident-related injuries like whiplash or concussions can take time to appear. Getting checked out and documenting any injuries will help with an insurance claim. Inform the doctor the visit is related to a car accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the claim to your auto insurance company as soon as possible. Provide all details of the accident, including information exchanged at the scene. Your insurance company may handle initial claims from the other parties, but for severe injuries or damage, you’ll want to pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Reach Out To Georgia Injury Lawyers
Our firm offers confidential representation for multi-vehicle accidents. We bring unique and beneficial experiences to the table. Seth Bader, for instance, is a former insurance defense attorney, so he has firsthand insight into how the opposing parties operate.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, call 1Georgia Injury Lawyers today at 678-635-9939 for a free case review.
