What Should I Do After a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident?

When there are multiple vehicles involved in a car accident, it often results in substantial property damage and serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. In addition, determining who is responsible for causing a multi-vehicle accident can be more complicated than accidents involving two vehicles. If you were seriously injured in a car accident involving multiple vehicles, there are steps you should take immediately following the accident to ensure that you receive the medical attention you need and that your legal rights are protected. Steps to take include:

• Call 911. Like any serious car accident, the first thing you should do after a multi-vehicle accident is to call 911 to report the accident so that police and emergency medical technicians can arrive at the scene as soon as possible. The responding officer will fill out a police report.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem relatively minor, it is crucial that you get medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. Failure to do so can make an undiagnosed injury more serious and difficult to treat. In addition, it will harm your claim if the insurance company argues that your injuries must not be severe if you do not find it necessary to get medical attention right away.
• Collect evidence. Take a picture of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, injuries, skid marks on the road, and the number of vehicles involved.
• Talk to witnesses. If multiple vehicles were involved in the accident, there may be witnesses who saw the accident happen. Ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
• Notify your insurance company. Inform your insurance company that you were injured in a multi-vehicle accident. Do not accept a lowball settlement offer.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. A dedicated car accident lawyer will protect your legal rights, assist you with the claims process, and help you recover the damages to which you are entitled.

What Are the Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents?

In most cases, multi-vehicle accidents are caused by driver negligence. Unfortunately, when motorists engage in any of the following behaviors, particularly when driving on a busy highway, there is an increased risk of a devastating multi-vehicle car accident:

• Speeding: Driving too fast not only makes it more challenging to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle, but it can also result in more serious injuries due to the extreme force of impact.
• Distracted driving: Talking or texting on the phone, adjusting the radio station, reaching for something in the back seat, and any other behavior that takes your attention away from the road even more in a matter of a few seconds can increase the risk of a serious accident involving multiple vehicles.
• Drunk driving: If you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol on a busy highway or any roadway where there are likely to be other vehicles on the road, there is an increased risk of a serious, potentially fatal multi-vehicle crash.
• Drowsy driving: This can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. This can seriously impact your reaction times, coordination, and ability to make responsible decisions.

Our Skilled Macon Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Represent Victims of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents

If you suffered a serious injury in a multi-vehicle car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.