A multi-vehicle car crash can be one of the more complex types of personal injury cases because it can be hard to tell exactly who caused this kind of wreck. It’s an obviously chaotic scene, but the aftermath can be chaotic as well. That’s why one of the first things you’ll need to do after a car accident will be to get in touch with an experienced attorney.
The law firm of Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh has a team of car accident attorneys who not only have the experience you need but also the skill to help you obtain maximum compensation. We’ll perform a detailed investigation into the accident and use our years of knowledge to determine exactly who was to blame.
Types of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents
Any time several vehicles are together, whether the setting is a highway or a city street, there’s always the risk of a multi-vehicle crash. Here are a few of the more common types of wrecks involving multiple vehicles that can take place.
Multi-Car Rear-End Collision
This is probably the most common form of multi-vehicle wreck, and it usually takes place because one driver isn’t paying full attention to the road. They might be sending or receiving a text, talking to a friend, or just changing the radio station – even a momentary lack of focus can cause the driver to slam into the vehicle in front of them that has come to an unexpected stop.
When there are several cars behind the distracted driver, that can cause a chain reaction, with one car slamming into another, then another slamming into that vehicle, and so on. The distracted driver who caused the initial accident will likely face significant liability as a result.
Multi-Car Left-Turn Collision
As the name implies, a left-turn accident takes place when one driver turns into the path of another. The vehicle making the turn will usually have most of the damage since it will usually be broadsided. That will put the driver, as well as any passengers, at substantial risk of severe injury or possibly even death.
Highway Pile-ups
When most people think of a multi-vehicle car crash, this is probably the one that comes to mind first. Two vehicles are involved in the original accident, then several others get involved very quickly.
There could be a lot of different reasons why a highway pile-up can happen. One driver might fail to use their turn signal when changing lanes and sideswipe another car. The driver of that car can then lose control, spin out, and hit other vehicles.
How is Fault Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Car Crash
If you’ve suffered a severe injury in a multi-vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills, the money you’ve lost from work, your property damage, or anything else associated with the wreck. But if you’re going to have a chance to obtain the compensation you deserve, you’re going to need solid evidence. These are just a few of the potential ways of getting that proof.
Talking to Witnesses
There’s a pretty good chance that someone saw the accident. It could have been a person coming out of a nearby store or another motorist who was kind enough to stop and render aid. You’ll really need to speak with any witnesses, if possible, and get their contact information (name, address, phone number, email address, etc.).
You won’t have to interview them, but make sure you take notes. Just get their contact info and give that to your attorney. Your legal representative will get in touch with them later to get their account of what occurred.
Security or Dash Cam Footage
Another potentially crucial piece of evidence is the footage from any nearby surveillance cameras. If the accident occurred near any stores or office buildings, then a camera more than likely caught it. Also, there could have been police cars traveling behind when the wreck took place. Their dash cams could have also captured the collision.
Police Reports
When a car accident results in an injury, the police will be dispatched to the scene. The officer will then conduct an investigation and record the findings in a report. This is yet another critical piece of proof that could make your case extremely strong.
Accident Reconstruction
While you would hope the insurance company of the at-fault driver would do the right thing and give you the money you deserve, it rarely works out that way. You and your attorney are probably going to have to fight for your rights. If the insurer refuses to provide you with a fair settlement, then your case might go to trial.
This is where an expert witness known as an accident reconstruction expert could make all of the difference. These professionals have a deep knowledge of how vehicle collisions take place. They can show a jury exactly how the accident that injured you occurred and show that you weren’t to blame.
Is Florida a No-Fault State?
Yes. You have to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP (personal injury protection) insurance coverage to pay for your medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. While the state of Florida doesn’t require most drivers to carry BDL (bodily injury liability), many motorists do so in order to provide them with an added level of protection.
Who Pays for My Damages?
What does this mean for your case? Florida law mandates that drivers must go through their personal insurance policies first. Your insurance will pay for up to 80% of your medical bills – as long as you obtain treatment no later than 14 days from when the accident occurred. Your PIP coverage will also pay up to 60% of your lost wages, as well as loss of future earnings if you’re injured so severely that you can no longer work.
But what about the portion of your damages that your PIP won’t cover? What about your property damage, or the emotional and mental trauma that you’ve experienced due to the severity of your injuries, and the pain you’ve had to go through? You’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain that compensation.
Contact KMW to Speak with an Experienced Attorney
The attorneys with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh have a long track record of success in multi-vehicle car crash cases similar to yours. Take advantage of our knowledge by contacting us online or calling our office.
