When you’re involved in a multi-car accident, you may struggle to understand where to turn or what to do next. Multi-vehicle accidents often involve complex situations with multiple people at fault, making it difficult to figure out who’s responsible and what steps to take. To protect your rights and understand your options, taking the right steps from the start is essential.
Contacting an experienced legal team like Church Church Hittle and Antrim can help you navigate the process and seek fair compensation. This guide will break down the crucial steps to follow after a multi-vehicle accident.
After a multi-car accident, collecting as much information as possible is crucial to a future claim. This evidence can play a significant role in determining fault and building a strong case.
Stay Calm and Assess. If anyone is injured, immediately call for help and seek medical assistance. Even if medical assistance is not required, a police report is helpful to detail the accident.
Get contact information. Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of those involved.
Take photos. Snap pictures of all vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries sustained.
Talk to witnesses. If there were witnesses, get their contact details. Their statements may support your version of the events.
Request a police report. Ask the responding officer for a report or reference number. Police reports often contain valuable observations about the fault.
Collecting this information and keeping it safe can help your legal team determine who’s at fault and strengthen your claim.
Determining fault in a multiple-car collision can be complex. Here are some factors that often affect liability in multi-car accidents:
Chain reaction accidents. In these types of collisions, one car often triggers a domino effect. For example, Car A hits Car B, pushing it into Car C. Typically, the driver of Car A is responsible, but others could share the blame depending on the circumstances.
Reckless or distracted driving. If drivers were speeding, texting, or breaking other rules, they might share some responsibility.
Weather and road conditions. Conditions like icy roads or fog can make it harder to control a vehicle. While drivers must still act cautiously, bad weather or poorly maintained roadways might impact how fault is viewed.
Determining liability requires a thorough examination of all facts and a careful understanding of multi-car accidents. Who is at fault can best be determined by an experienced attorney, such as our team at CCHA Law, who can analyze the details of your case to help determine who might be responsible.
Navigating claims after a multi-car accident is challenging. You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, car repairs, and even emotional distress. Here’s what happens in a multi-car accident when it comes to seeking financial recovery:
File an insurance claim. Start the process by filing a claim. Many policies in Indiana include coverage for multi-vehicle accidents. However, with multiple drivers, each person’s insurer might attempt to shift the blame.
Consider all liability policies. You might have claims against several drivers, depending on the circumstances. An attorney can help identify which policies apply.
Consult a qualified attorney. Multi-vehicle accidents often involve disputed claims. An attorney can help manage the paperwork, negotiate with insurers, and take legal action if needed.
Unfortunately, multi-car accidents are all too common, making up a significant portion of roadway collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that almost 20,000 crashes involve more than two vehicles each year. These cases are often complex, as 34% of all traffic accidents result from driver decisions, according to the NHTSA, meaning fault may be shared among multiple drivers involved. Given the layered nature of these claims, understanding how to approach compensation can help reduce financial and emotional stress.
Dealing with the aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident, with multiple parties and insurers involved, can quickly become a lot to manage. At CCHA Law, we understand the complexities of these cases and are here to support you.
As one of Indiana’s longest-serving law firms, we’ve proudly helped individuals and families since 1880, and we value our deep-rooted connection to the community. Our team combines decades of experience with a client-focused approach, ensuring you receive thoughtful, effective solutions tailored to your needs.
If you’re struggling with what to do in a multi-car accident, getting the support of our legal team can simplify the process. Give us a call at (317) 773-2190 or reach out online—we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Our personal injury attorneys handle cases throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, and Tipton.