A Multi-Car Collision can happen at any time throughout the year but especially in the winter as it can be extremely hazardous and unfortunately most highways have already experienced numerous pile-ups this season. Pile-ups typically occur in low-visibility conditions as drivers are caught off guard by driving too close to the vehicle in front and not adjusting to the road conditions. While the weather may play a big part in these types of accidents, distracted driving and impaired driving can also cause multi-car pile-ups. Being stranded on a major highway as a motorist in treacherous weather conditions is terrifying for everyone involved including first responders.
Although any type of motor vehicle accident can create unexpected medical, financial and legal issues, a multi-car collision can magnify these matters. Multiple cars involved in an accident such as an unexpected chain reaction can amplify the chaos, making it more difficult to ascertain fault and making insurance claims much more complex. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, here are some reminders to keep in mind.
Consider Your Safety First
- If you have been involved in a multi-car crash, your first priority should be staying safe. Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened until the police or EMS tell you it is safe to exit. The biggest risk is getting hit by another car after leaving your vehicle.
- Make sure everyone else in your vehicle is okay. If you are badly injured, call 911 to alert them to the fact that you need an ambulance and wait for EMS to come help you and transport you to a hospital.
- If possible, put your hazard lights on to warn oncoming traffic to slow down.
- See a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, especially soft tissue injuries.
Keep Calm
When an accident involves multiple cars, the accident scene invariably turns more chaotic. If you can, use your phone to take photographs of the accident. With more than two cars involved, the attending police officers will likely collect eyewitness statements and contact information themselves. Try your best to write down how the accident happened, what transpired, and any mitigating circumstances that may have contributed to the accident (such as inclement weather, debris in the road, a detour, or a reckless driver). In the chaos of a multi-car accident, your memories may fade quickly and writing it down will help you keep your memories clear.
Questioning at the Scene
When involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, the less you say, the better off you are. If police interview you, respond truthfully with short answers that address only the exact questions that the officers ask you. In a multi-car collision, ascertaining who is at fault is more complicated than in two-car accidents, and you do not want to place unwarranted fault on yourself.
Because of the complex nature of chain reaction car accidents, it is wise to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to get advice on how to proceed with your claim. If you were injured in a multi vehicle pile-up, you owe it to yourself to get a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
For more information please visit: www.iacobellilaw.com.
Submitted by Andrew Iacobelli, Personal Injury Lawyer
Iacobelli Law Firm is not only a member but they are also a proud sponsor of the Crash Support Network and we thank them for their support.
This article is also featured in our 2020 Spring Issue of Sharing our Recovery
