Multi-Car Accident? Here’s What to Do Next.
It’s no secret that a motor vehicle accident is a traumatic event for all parties involved.
It can lead to property damage, severe injuries, stress, depression, and plenty more.
But, what happens when it’s not just two motor vehicles? What happens when it’s a pile-up?
In this blog article, Lawfty Law will be discussing what to do if you or someone you love has been involved in a multi-car motor vehicle accident in Washington D.C. – because as always, we’re here to help!
It’s a Not-So-Simple Chain Reaction
A multi-car accident in simpler terms is a chain reaction.
And, in the event of a multi-car accident, the police officers who respond to the scene to survey the damage will work to figure out who was at fault for the chain reaction that caused the accidents.
With that in mind, it’s quite important to remember to not move your motor vehicle after a multi-car accident. Staying safe after it took place is key in preventing any further damage from being done to your vehicle, or yourself and others.
However, if the accident took place on an interstate or a busy surface street, it may be a good idea to move your vehicle to a safer location to prevent causing any additional pile-ups.
Also, regardless of where the accident took place, it’s imperative that you and any of your passengers stay in the vehicle. Do not in any way risk getting out of your vehicle until the police and any other emergency services arrive and secure the scene.
Which Driver is at Fault Here?
When determining which driver is at fault for a multi-car accident, driver testimony and the scene of the accident will help aid in figuring out which driver will be listed as at fault on the crash report.
However, it can become difficult to uncover if any of the drivers were speeding, distracted, or even under the influence and if that directly impaired their driving ability.
Often times when dealing with a multi-car pile-up, insurance companies will not want to pay for damages, especially if several of the parties have claims. Each individual driver’s insurance company will try to pass liability/partial liability, in an effort to help decrease their obligation.
Each time Lawfty Law meets someone who was involved in a multi-car motor vehicle accident, we tell them the same potential piece of advice: Don’t try to handle this dispute on your own – it’s a slippery slope.
Insurance companies will only listen to cold-hard facts, and an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney can work to help you rectify the situation and magnify the other parties’ fault using information, reenactment, and witness testimony.
