Multi-Vehicle Car Accident - What Happens Afterward?
The damage within a multi-vehicle accident usually involves both serious physical injury and property damage that can exceed the thousands for each individual affected. In these incidents, it is possible that someone can die, that one party will face multiple lawsuits and that the surviving family may make a wrongful death claim.
What a Multi-Vehicle Accident Is
When more than one car collides with another, there are no less than three drivers or passengers involved in the accident. Often, these incidents occur because one person rear-ends the second car or additional vehicles. The force of the first collision may end abruptly which will cause the car following to crash into the back end. If there is a line of cars traveling too close or the accident is unavoidable at the speeds each person is driving, then it becomes a multi-vehicle accident. The first two involved may cause the rest of the damage, but for the third and further cars, the injuries and property damage are normally the fault of the first driver that caused the wreck.Liability in the Multi-Vehicle Accident
Generally, the chain reaction that causes the pile-up is because of the carelessness of the subsequent drivers involved in this incident. However, some of these accidents are the fault of the first driver’s negligence. To determine who is at fault, the lawyers will need to consider each factor and discover the initial cause of the collision. Some lawyers will hire an expert witness to analyze these elements and determine which party holds primary laicity. Even with a professional assisting in this manner, a multi-vehicle accident is a complex matter that may require additional time and money to conclude.The Evidence in the Multi-Vehicle Accident
Generally, multiple vehicle accidents provide several pieces of evidence to use against the responsible party. However, if these incidents occur away from traffic cameras, and no one has any dash cams, this case may require more examination. The lawyer may need to investigate the location further after the collision ends. Photographs of the scene, a knowledge of the weather and if any manufacturer defects exist in any of the cars in the collision are all necessary forms of evidence that the lawyer can use to help make the case. When it is clear who is responsible, the lawyer can then determine how best to proceed.The Fault of the Chain Reaction
If the multiple car pileup is because of a chain reaction, it is important to understand who is responsible and at fault in these collisions. If there is a party that admits fault, the case is less difficult. However, if no one claims the blame, the lawyers and any expert witness will need to consider all factors and assess who could have started the initial chain reaction of collisions. If the first car was at fault because of distraction, this could remove fault with most of the other drivers. However, most of the drivers may have some responsibility in colliding when they were unable to brake soon enough.Injuries and Medical Assistance
When each driver or passenger suffers an injury in the multiple car incident, medical assistance is usually an immediate concern. Those suffering from physical harm will need emergency support to either get out of the car or to ensure that bleeding wounds are taken care of first. These incidents can lead to lethal harm or quick death once everything is clear. An ambulance is critical when there are severe injuries for at least one person. Once the accident clears, whoever is not suffering from physical injury should contact emergency medical assistance. Then, once these professionals arrive, it is important to determine what evidence is necessary for a possible claim.Assigning Fault
In many states, the jury will consider all relevant details and evidence and then assign the fault for the entire accident to each person involved. It is then that some of the defendants may claim the plaintiff is the responsible party. At that point, the jury may reassess and assign a percentage of the blame to the plaintiff. If compensation is possible for anyone, the state may require less than 50 percent fault.The Lawyers in a Multi-Car Accident
Once everyone addresses each concern, it is time to hire a lawyer to pursue the claim. The courts will need evidence and a way to assign fault to a percentage. Making the case is important for compensation, and the lawyer will need to address this matter with the judge or jury.Provided by HG.org
Read more on this legal issue
Soft Tissue Injuries in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Injury
What Injured Passengers Should Do If Involved in an Accident
How do You Know Who is at Fault in a Car Accident
Single-Vehicle Accidents
In a Rear End Collision, Is the Guy in the Back Always at Fault
Had an Accident in a Rental Car, Whose Insurance Pays?
Mechanical Failure in Motor Vehicle Accidents
How Are Claims Affected When They Involve Multiple Vehicles?
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Car Accident was Minor?
Fatalities and Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Importance of Evidence in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
Soft Tissue Injuries in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Injury
What Injured Passengers Should Do If Involved in an Accident
How do You Know Who is at Fault in a Car Accident
Single-Vehicle Accidents
In a Rear End Collision, Is the Guy in the Back Always at Fault
Had an Accident in a Rental Car, Whose Insurance Pays?
Mechanical Failure in Motor Vehicle Accidents
How Are Claims Affected When They Involve Multiple Vehicles?
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Car Accident was Minor?
Fatalities and Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Importance of Evidence in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome as individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an experienced lawyer to understand current laws and.how they may affect a case.
