Car accidents are incredibly stressful. One moment you are peacefully driving your vehicle, the next your car is ruined and you are injured. In the blink of an eye you now have to figure out who is responsible for the accident, what to do with your car, and how to take care of the injuries you have received. These steps only get more difficult if you were a part of a multi-car car accident.
Multi-car accidents, often referred to as a pile up, or a chain reaction crash present a very unique set of challenges compared to a normal car crash. These pile-ups typically involve three or more vehicles, because of this, these accidents can lead to an intricate legal battle to determine fault and the extent of the damages caused.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a chain reaction crash it is crucial to understand the nuances and complexities of these accidents, especially if you are seeking compensation for your injuries. In this article our team of Salt Lake City litigation experts will break down the legal complications of these accidents, and what steps you can take to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
How to Establish What Happened in a Pile Up Crash
Multiple Parties Involved:
When multiple parties are involved in a car accident it is critical to call the police to the accident. When the police are called to an accident scene they will survey the scene of the accident, interview all parties involved, and then create a police report. This police report is critical, especially in a pile up crash. In a police report they write down how the accident occurred, as well as who they believe caused the accident. This report is what insurance adjusters will use to determine who they believe is at fault for the car accident.
Eyewitness Testimonies:
If anyone else saw the accident occur their statement is key in determining how an accident occurred. These third party accounts can detail how a pile up happened without any bias. They will be able to provide crucial insights into the sequence of events that happened, which can bring to light who is responsible for the crash and aid in the reconstruction of the accident.
Accident Reconstructionist Experts:
In complex accidents like a multi-car accident it might be necessary to hire an accident reconstructionist. These experts will be able to use scientific methods to analyze the crash, determine the speed of the vehicles involved as well as the actions that they took. These reports can establish a direct sequence of events and help to paint a clearer picture of what happened in the accident.
Traffic Camera Footage:
Video footage is a great way to help determine what happened in these chain reaction crashes. Video that was taken from nearby traffic cameras, dash cams, or even stores can provide visual evidence of the accident. This footage can help to clarify the positions of the vehicles and movements that were taken before and during the collision.
Comparative Negligence:
Nearly every state operates with some form of comparative negligence ruling. Depending on where your accident occurred your ability to receive compensation for your injuries can be greatly affected, especially in a chain reaction crash. Comparative negligence establishes each party’s degree of fault in the accident.
For example, let’s say driver A is turning left on a yellow light, and driver B is going straight through the light but is speeding and hits driver A. Driver A would be listed at fault for not properly yielding the right of way; however, since driver B was speeding they might be deemed partially at fault.
Here in Utah our state operates under modified comparative negligence (Utah Code 78B-5-819), meaning that the claimant may recover damages as long as their allocation of fault is 40% or under. If you are deemed partially at fault then your damages recovered would be adjusted as well.
To figure out if your state operates under comparative negligence click the link below:
Legal Recourse for Victims
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident then you should promptly file a personal injury claim. Given the complexities of these cases, it is smart to work with a skilled Utah litigation expert. Here at LifeLaw your litigation experts will work tirelessly to navigate the intricacies of these sorts of cases on your behalf. They will gather evidence, file your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Pursuing Litigation
If negotiations with an insurance company stall, or the offers they are making are not satisfactory to the damages that you have suffered, then your case may need to be taken to litigation. Your Utah litigation expert will be able to represent you in court and will present all of the evidence in your case on your behalf in order to get you a satisfactory judgment.
Seeking Comprehensive Damages
In an accident you are able to seek a wide range of compensation for the damages you have suffered. These damages can include: your medical bills, any lost wages you have suffered, pain and suffering damages, as well as property damage. In cases of Gross Negligence (A disregard for human safety or life, intentional harm done to other parties) then you may be able to seek punitive damages (damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter future actions) as well.
Multi car accidents are inherently more complex than a traditional car accident, requiring a thorough in depth investigation and a nuanced approach to determining liability. As a victim you will have to navigate multiple parties’ insurance, intricate evidence, and potential contentious insurance claims.
If the stress of navigating those processes alone is too much, then consider working with a skilled Utah litigation expert. Here at LifeLaw Trial Lawyers we strive to ensure that your rights are protected, and that you are able to get the compensation you deserve. Our team of trial attorneys at LifeLaw will work tirelessly on your case so that you are able to focus on what is really important, your recovery. If you or someone you know has been injured, give us a call for a free consultation and to discuss your options further.