It is common for people to not realize accidents involving more than two vehicles happens quite often. There are a significant number of vehicles on the road at all hours of the day and night. A multiple-vehicle accident only requires one mistake on a crowded road. The next thing that happens is several drivers could be involved in a very dangerous situation. Fault is not always easy to determine in a multi-vehicle accident. This is why it is imperative that you retain the legal services of an experienced car accident attorney.
After The Accident
It is important after an accident involving several vehicles for a driver to stay in their vehicle. They should keep on their seat belts and check if their passengers are alright. Everyone in the vehicle should keep their seat belts on. The next thing is to put on a vehicle’s hazard lights and wait until an EMT or law enforcement officer says it is safe to get out of the vehicle. A driver should then try and get insurance information from the other drivers involved in the accident. A person then needs to contact their insurance company.
In addition to exchanging insurance information, you should take pictures of the accident scene if you are physically able. It is also a good idea to try and get eye witness accounts to the multi-vehicle accident.
It is also recommended that you contact a multi-vehicle accident attorney who can direct you to the proper medical professionals who are experienced in treating accident victims and making sure that the correct medical examinations and tests are done. These medical professionals will also know how to properly document the injuries from a multi-vehicle accident.
Insurance Company
Determining fault in such an accident can be complicated. This is why an insurance company needs to be contacted as soon as possible. They will start the claim process and assign an accident investigator to it. The job of this individual is to investigate the cause of the accident and try to determine who may be at fault. An insurance company will be the entity that will make the initial decision concerning fault for an accident. However, their job is to minimize your claim in order to maximize their company’s profits. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can step in and deal with these difficult insurance adjusters. A car accident attorney that is experienced with multi-vehicle accidents is your best bet to maximize your claim.
Factors
There are many factors taken into consideration to determine fault in a multi-vehicle accident. This could be learning about the possible involvement of alcohol, drugs, speed of vehicles, failure to obey the rules of the road, outstanding criminal warrants as well as not having insurance. Weather conditions could also be a consideration, fog, snow, rain or ice could all have played a role in the accident. It is possible a person was driving distracted and more. Forensic examiners know how to interview passengers as well as witnesses. They can view the accident scene as well as the damage and provide a logical conclusion.
Fault Disputed
An investigation concerning a multi-vehicle accident can determine if more than one driver was at fault. When this happens, it is recommended that a person file their insurance claim through the insurance company of every driver who is considered at fault. Should fault eventually be determined to involve only one driver, it is then possible to drop all the other claims. However, these cases are extremely complex and may involve multiple injured parties with multiple sets of medical bills and personal injury claims. If you are looking to maximize your claim, an experienced car accident attorney can assist you.
Fault Unable To Be Determined
Should it be decided that fault is unable to be determined, a person should hire a car accident attorney. They can file a claim through their client’s collision coverage. If their client has any medical bills, they can file a claim for them through their client’s health insurance company and more. The best way to maximize your claim is by utilizing the legal knowledge of your attorney. They also understand how to deal with difficult insurance companies and understand the tricks they use to minimize your claims.
Comparative Negligence
Texas is a comparative negligence state. This means any vehicle accident claim could be reduced by the percentage of fault determined for a person making the claim. There are two types of comparative negligence. Pure comparative negligence as well as modified comparative negligence. In pure comparative negligence, a person could recover even if they were found almost completely at fault for the accident. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This means a driver can only recover damages if it is determined they were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident.
Accidents involving multiple vehicles can be complicated. It could involve many careless drivers. An insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in these situations can become quite involved. Speaking with a car accident attorney can help clarify the situation. They will know how to analyze the facts of the case and determine the best course of action to get fair compensation.
Call our law offices today at any of our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
Arlington (817) 522-4451
Dallas (972) 362-6848
Fort Worth (817) 764-1375
Plano (972) 354-4602
Cedar Hill (972) 338-9427
McKinney (469) 522-3688
Lewisville (972) 354-4605
Frisco (972) 725-7681
Grapevine (817) 835-8677
Irving (972) 354-4610
Keller (817) 204-0904
Garland (214) 572-2251
Denton (940) 222-4060
Addison (972) 564-8108
You can also contact us online by using our quick contact form.
