Maison Law helps car accident victims in California through the legal process. Every car accident is different, but there are certain types that are more damaging than others. Not surprisingly, this is even more true when multiple vehicles are involved. It makes things harder, but you still have legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer After These Accidents?
The biggest issue in a car accident with multiple vehicles is unraveling liability. Still, you don’t need a lawyer to pursue your legal options. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one, particularly if you’ve been in an accident with multiple vehicles.
Our team at Maison Law has extensive experience with these accidents and can help you by:
- Explaining your options
- Helping you figure out who all is responsible
- Gathering and compiling records and evidence
- Negotiating with every insurance company that’s involved
Most of all, you should get a lawyer to just simplify the process. The more hurt you are and the more complicated your accident is, the harder everything else is. We can ease your burden and let you focus on getting better.
Who’s Liable in a Multiple Vehicle Car Accident?
For as confusing and painful as a multi-vehicle car accident can be, the actual legal standard for liability is the same as any other car accident: negligence.
In this respect, it’s pretty easy to figure out liability–it’s going to fall on whoever was reckless or careless and caused the accident. However, the problem is that with multiple vehicles, multiple people could be negligent. Most of the time, though, liability is going to fall on any of the following:
- The initial driver
- Other drivers that were involved and contributed
- Bicyclists and motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Car or parts makers
- Government agencies responsible for taking care of the road
In reality, this is very confusing, especially with multiple cars involved. Generally, though, it helps to look at the underlying causes to really pinpoint liability–and better understand what your legal options are.
What Causes Multi-Vehicle Accidents in California?
Obviously, a place as crowded and busy as California is going to have more car accidents. But because there’s more people on the road, the likelihood of multiple cars being involved in the accident is higher. Then, when you factor in negligence, it’s even more likely. This doesn’t take away the frustration, but it can also be hard to predict when or where a multi-vehicle accident can happen–that’s until you look at the more common underlying causes:
- Distractions – Drivers using phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can miss crucial moments to brake or steer, leading to collisions.
- Speeding – Driving at high speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, which can cause chain-reaction crashes.
- Tailgating – Following too closely behind another vehicle leaves little room to stop in an emergency, contributing to pile-ups.
- Being aggressive – Dangerous maneuvers like rapid lane changes, cutting off vehicles, or road rage can trigger multi-vehicle accidents.
- Poor weather – Rain, fog, or slick roads can cut down on visibility and traction, which can lead to loss of control and accidents involving several vehicles.
- Driving under the influence – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often fail to maintain proper control of their vehicle, increasing the likelihood of multiple collisions.
- Heavy traffic – Heavy traffic can lead to sudden stops or erratic lane changes, raising the chances of rear-end or side-impact accidents.
Obviously, many of these causes are pretty general and present everywhere in California. With that said, though, it’s often these factors that result in chain reaction and multi-vehicle accidents. When you’re in one, your chances of being injured are much higher–which means you’ll need to go through the legal process.
What’s the Claims Process After a Multiple Vehicle Accident in California?
At its core, even a multi-vehicle accident is a car accident claim. This means you have legal options, namely the ability to file an injury claim to recover damages. But, the big difference in this process is that more people–and more insurance companies–are going to be involved.
Filing an insurance claim tends to be faster, but it heavily depends on the company’s willingness to provide a fair settlement, which they often try to minimize. A lawsuit, while more time-consuming, allows you to present your case to a judge and jury and may result in a more substantial financial recovery for your losses.
While your options are the same, the insurance process with multiple companies means filing a claim with each of them. This obviously complicates things, and it’s the same with a lawsuit (although there’s more of a chance that a judge will consolidate things.)
Regardless of the option you go with, the goal of filing a claim is to recover financial support for the losses you’ve suffered, which can include:
- Medical expenses and future care costs
- Lost income or diminished earning potential if you’re unable to return to work
- Costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property
- Financial support for pain and suffering due to injuries
- Emotional distress from the accident
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses for loved ones
- Punitive damages in certain severe cases
In California, it’s crucial to file your claim within the statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from seeking financial support.
Additionally, California follows a system of comparative negligence, meaning any degree of fault you share in the accident will reduce the amount you can recover. To protect your claim, taking proactive steps is extremely important.
What Steps Are There to Strengthen Your Multiple Vehicle Accident Claim?
Even though multi-vehicle accidents are common in California, they can be complicated to navigate. Whether you’re caught in a sudden pile-up or a rear-end collision, the actions you take afterward can significantly affect your claim. Here’s how to protect your rights:
- Get to safety – Move to a safe area, away from traffic, and call 911 for medical assistance. Even if you think you’re uninjured, have EMTs check you out on-site or at a hospital. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
- Ask for police – Make sure the local police are notified, whether it’s the California Highway Patrol (CHP), city police, or the county sheriff. A police report is critical evidence for your claim, and they’ll also manage and clear the scene.
- Start getting evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Get the contact information of witnesses, as their statements could strengthen your case.
- Keep records and evidence intact – Document all medical visits, conversations with insurance companies, and any expenses related to the accident. These records are essential to proving the extent of your losses.
- Be cautious – Be mindful of what you say when discussing the accident. Insurance companies may attempt to use your words against you to reduce your claim. Also try to stay away from discussing the accident on your social media.
By following these steps, you’ll be in a stronger position to pursue your claim. When you’re ready to take legal action, our team is here to guide and support you.
Work With Our California Multiple Vehicle Car Accident Lawyers
Multiple vehicle accidents can leave you facing severe injuries and financial challenges. If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle accident in California, our dedicated team of lawyers at Maison Law are ready to help. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get the financial support you need to make a recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
