Multi-Car Pileup Lawyer
Multi-vehicle pileups occur when three or more vehicles are involved in the same accident. Depending on the circumstances, these crashes may result in many injuries and even multiple wrongful deaths. If you have been involved in a multi-car pileup, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and other damages. The car accident attorneys at Hernandez Law Group, P.C. have spent many years representing clients involved in multi-vehicle collisions, and they can help with your case too. Contact us for a no-obligation case consultation.
What Causes Multi-Car Pileups?
Multi-car collisions can occur for many reasons. In some cases, these crashes may occur because of a combination of factors. Some of the most common factors contributing to multi-vehicle pileups include:
- Driver inattention – When drivers are not paying attention to the road because of distractions or lack of concern, multi-car pileups are more likely to occur.
- Following too closely – One of the most common causes of a multi-vehicle collision is drivers failing to leave enough distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
- Speeding – Pileups are more common when drivers are traveling at high speeds, as it is more difficult for them to stop quickly when necessary.
- Driver intoxication -Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause any accident, including multi-car pileups.
- Weather – Bad weather, such as snow or heavy rain, can increase the risk of multi-car collisions.
- Road conditions – Sometimes, road conditions can contribute to a pileup. For example, the restricted spaces created by construction zones may make this type of accident more likely to occur.
Whose Insurance Pays in a Multi Car Accident?
Determining fault in any crash can be difficult, but the challenge is even greater when an accident involves more than two vehicles.
Most pileups occur when one vehicle rear-ends another, setting off a chain reaction. In general, every vehicle rear-ending the vehicle in front of them will be responsible for that part of the collision – unless they were pushed by a car behind them and had no control over the outcome of the accident.
For example, assume Car 1 stops suddenly. Car 2 cannot stop in time and hits Car 1 from behind. Car 3 cannot stop in time either and rear-ends Car 2. In this case, both Car 2 and Car 3 are at fault for the damage they caused to the vehicle directly in front of them. Car 1 is not at fault at all.
In another scenario, assume Car 1 and Car 2 stop in time after a sudden change in the speed of traffic occurs. Car 3 hits Car 2 from behind, pushing Car 2 forward to hit Car 1. In this case, Car 3 is the only vehicle at fault for the accidents and will be held responsible for the damage done to both of the other vehicles, as well as any injuries.
What Should You Do If You Are in a Multi-Vehicle Collision?
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up caused by another driver, you need to take action immediately to protect yourself. Immediately following the accident, you should ensure everyone involved in the crash is uninjured.
If there are injuries that require medical care, call for help. You should also call the police to make a formal car accident police report. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and collect the contact and insurance information of all drivers involved in the crash. If anyone witnessed the crash, collect his or her information as well.
Shortly after a multi-vehicle collision, you should also call an attorney. If another person was at fault for the crash, the individual’s insurance company will likely make an offer to settle. However, these offers are rarely high enough to cover your damages. In many cases, the insurance company is purposely offering a lower amount in hopes that the victim won’t want to deal with a long legal battle and will settle. Fortunately, with the help of the right attorney, you can maximize your compensation and ensure you get all the money you need to cover your damages and move on with your life.
Contact Our Dallas Multi-Vehicle Pileup Attorneys
If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle crash, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Call Hernandez Law Group, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. As one of the 2% of lawyers in Texas who is board-certified to practice personal injury law, you can count on Juan Hernandez’s expertise. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation for your accident case.