You may file a claim in a multi-vehicle crash caused by someone else’s negligence. However, you must gather significant evidence and prove who is responsible for the car collision. Usually, victims of multi-vehicle crashes seek legal guidance from experts who have experience handling this type of accident case.
Read on to learn the common causes of a multi-vehicle crash and the steps to file a claim
How to File A Multi-Vehicle Accident Claim
A multi-vehicle crash can result in devastating bodily injuries and property damage to multiple victims. In most cases, injured victims are confused about whether they can pursue a case and how they can file a claim if ever it is possible.
To be able to do so, you must do the following to win a multi-vehicle accident case:
STEP 1: Determine Who Is Accountable For The Accident
It is crucial to determine who is liable for the accident before you can build your case. You may establish negligence in an accident under these circumstances:
- the driver owed you a duty of care;
- the driver breached the duty of care;
- you suffered an injury; and
- the injury was caused by the breach of duty (typically defined through proximate cause)
STEP 2: Gather Substantial Evidence
After determining the at-fault driver for the accident, you must recover and collate the necessary evidence to support your claim. It is recommended that after the accident, you stay at the accident scene and gather essential pieces of evidence, such as:
- the parties’ personal information, such as driver’s license, insurance company, and contact details;
- witness testimony;
- photos of the accident scene; and
- surveillance or CCTV footage within the area
STEP 3: Seek Legal Advice
Filing a multi-vehicle accident claim is complicated because it involves multiple parties. This makes it challenging to prove who is accountable for the accident. In such cases, it is highly suggested that you contact a multi-vehicle accident lawyer who can guide you and defend your case.
Who Can I Sue In A Multi-Vehicle Crash?
In a multi-vehicle crash, it is essential to identify who violated the law and initially hit the other drivers. In some instances, you may pursue a case against the following parties:
A Truck Driver Caused The Accident
Trucks weigh about 10,000-25,000 pounds. Their weight and size are likely to cause accidents affecting multiple parties. When a truck driver’s negligence causes a multi-vehicle crash, you may file a claim against the driver’s truck company.
Based on a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck crashes are commonly attributed to the following factors that cause the accident:
- the need to stop abruptly;
- unfamiliar destinations;
- inadequate surveillance;
- overspeeding;
- illegal turn;
- fatigue and other illnesses;
- false assumptions about other road user’s actions; and
- inattention and distraction by objects or persons inside the vehicle.
Another Driver’s Wrongdoings Resulted In An Accident
Sometimes, a driver’s negligence can cause a severe multi-vehicle crash. A car collision may be caused by the following:
- overspeeding;
- poor weather conditions;
- distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving; or
- impaired driving, such as driving under the influence or intoxication.
It is easier to claim compensation when the driver at fault admits their violation and negligence. However, it becomes complicated when the driver refrains from taking responsibility for the collision. In this case, contacting a multi-vehicle accident lawyer is best to determine who is at fault.
A Third Party Caused the Accident
In several circumstances, none of the drivers involved in an accident is the culprit for the multi-vehicle crash. A third party may cause the car collision, such as when:
- the driver fails to see an unclear road sign;
- poor road conditions and weather caused the accident; or
- there is construction nearby without sign warnings.
When your accident falls under the following instances, you may file a case against the local government responsible for the conditions. If you pursue the claim, you may need a legal expert to build a compelling case.
What to Do When Involved In A Multi-vehicle Crash
If you’re in a multi-vehicle accident, it’s best to follow these steps to make sure you’re safe and get the situation under control:
- Do not leave the scene under any circumstances.
- Check if you incurred injuries from the crash.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Exchange information with the drivers involved in the accident.
- Document possible evidence, such as witness testimony or pictures of the incident scene.
- File an initial accident report.
- Cooperate with the law enforcers.
- Contact an accident lawyer if necessary.
A multi-vehicle crash is a complex case that entails dealing with multiple parties. You will likely encounter challenges such as difficulty proving negligence or having limited evidence to support your claim. When this happens, it is highly suggested that you contact a multi-vehicle accident lawyer who can help you collate evidence, determine the at-fault party, and negotiate the total settlement value.
Larry H. Parker is a team of personal injury lawyers catering to California’s multi-vehicle crash victims. We ensure you get the total value of the damages and claim the justice you deserve. Call our office at 866-311-2457 to schedule a free legal consultation to learn more about your options. We will hear your side of the story, figure out your choices, and provide you with honest legal counsel.
