Car accidents are a fact of modern life. In essence, there are two basic types: single car accidents and multiple car accidents. In 2007, the number of fatal multiple vehicle crashes totaled 17,577. In these life- taking events accident damaged cars littered the highways.
Facts Concerning Multiple Vehicle Accidents
The basic characteristics of multiple vehicle accidents are as follows:
- Multiple car accidents are often called “pile-ups” or “chain accidents”
- Multiple vehicle accidents usually occur on roads or streets that allow high speeds and greater traffic capacity e.g. freeways, highways, interchanges
- One of the most frequently stated causes is poor visibility. This usually refers to fog, rain or snow
- Tunnel chain accidents or tunnel pile-ups are considered the worse since the chances of severe injuries, extending beyond accident damaged cars, is greater
What To Do If Your Car Is Among The Many Accident Damaged Cars
If you find your car is one of the many of the accident damaged cars, you need to quickly establish your innocence if you wish to escape liability. This may not be easy. The more vehicles are involved, the harder it becomes to establish liability or negligence. In fact, the opposing insurance companies may declare you are also culpable in the accident. This would make it contributory or comparative negligence. In either instance, you might not be entitled to compensation. It depends upon the insurance company and the specific state laws.
As soon as possible, make sure you:
- Inform the involved insurance companies or providers immediately
- Compile data about the accident
- Include testimonies from other drivers involved that clear you of wrong doing
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Talk to experts in multiple vehicle collisions
- Compile the other necessary information on personal or bodily injuries
- Obtain estimates on the costs of car replacement or repairs
What you should not do is:
- Sign off on an agreement immediately.
- Automatically accept the initial settlement forthcoming if there is one
- Ignore legitimate issues concerning liability
- Believe everything the insurance companies state concerning liability and your role
Contacting A Lawyer
The complexities of determining liability in a multiple car crash with so many accident damaged cars, makes it difficult to determine exact liability. If there is any doubt, the insurance providers may decide you do not receive a settlement. Alternatively, the provider may decide you are equally culpable or have contributed to the accident. Only a skilled auto-accident lawyer will be able to help you obtain an equitable settlement.
