Multi Vehicle Accidents

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Dozens of car accidents occur throughout Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods each day. However, multi-vehicle accidents, or accidents involving three or more cars, are some of the most severe.

Multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated, as fault is not always clear. Additionally, these accidents can lead to expensive property damage, often causing cars to become totaled. Worse, they often leave drivers with severe injuries.

If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Atlanta, hiring a multi-vehicle accident attorney may be a good idea. At The Foster Firm, we have extensive experience navigating these complicated cases on behalf of our clients. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary multi-vehicle accident consultation.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents often occur on busy roadways, when cars do not have time to get out of the way of the accident scene. Sometimes, these accidents happen when one vehicle rear-ends another, and the vehicles behind the at-fault vehicle do not have enough time to stop. They can also occur when collisions block traffic lanes, causing more vehicles to hit the cars involved.

These accidents can also occur due to the following causes:

• Speeding
• Road hazards
• Distracted driving
• Intoxicated drivers
• Insufficient following distance

Many multi-vehicle accidents start with a single instance of a driver failing to obey traffic laws. This incident then creates a spiral effect, leading several cars to crash.

Common Injuries from Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents can cause injuries ranging from mild to severe. These accidents typically happen suddenly, when drivers do not have enough time to stop. As a result, airbags often deploy in multi-vehicle accidents.

The most common injuries in these accidents include the following:

• Bruising
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Paralysis
• Herniated discs
• Whiplash

Who Is Responsible in Multi-Vehicle Accidents?

Determining fault in multi-vehicle accidents can be challenging. These accidents often begin when one driver makes a mistake. However, when other vehicles become involved, those drivers could also be partially at fault.

As a result, the sole person responsible for a multi-vehicle accident may not be immediately apparent. Police officers can look at the positions of the vehicles and speak with the drivers to gain a clearer understanding of who was at fault. They can also review security footage and dash-cam footage if available.

Depending on the accident’s circumstances, the police may assign you partial fault for the multi-vehicle accident. Georgia uses a comparative negligence system, allowing multiple drivers to assume a percentage of the liability in a vehicle accident.

If you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can claim damages from the at-fault drivers. However, the damages you can receive depend on your percentage of fault.

Hiring a qualified accident attorney can help you navigate this process and secure adequate compensation following the accident.

Navigating Insurance Claims After Multi-Vehicle Accidents

The insurance process following multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated. If several people were at fault for the accident, you may be unsure whose insurance company to contact about your claim. You may also wonder whether you should contact your own insurance company to request compensation.

We recommend following these steps as you navigate the insurance claims process:

1. Obtain a copy of the police report and verify who was at fault.
2. Contact the insurance companies of all at-fault drivers.
3. Submit a claim with each insurance company.
4. Wait to receive compensation offers.

The insurance companies may not offer sufficient funds to cover your physical damages and injuries. If this occurs, you can attempt to negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit. Having an attorney on your side is imperative to navigate this process successfully.

Contact our team at The Foster Firm today at 404-559-8325 to schedule your complimentary consultation.