One of the most challenging types of insurance cases to settle involves multi-car accidents. Multi-car accidents often take significant time to be resolved because the insurance adjuster(s) working on the case must thoroughly review police reports, medical records, and other aspects of the accident to assess liability issues. Furthermore, there may be a period of time in between impacts so different drivers may be found at fault.

If you’ve been involved in a multi-car accident, it is in your best interests to hire an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney immediately. A car accident attorney will work with you throughout the case to get you the best possible outcome. They can help you understand the claims process and what will come next as the adjuster decides which driver(s) should be held accountable for causing the accident.

Why Do Multi-Car Accidents Occur?

Car accidents occur every day for various reasons. However, multi-car accidents can occur due to a chain reaction or other factors when three or more vehicles collide.

The most common factors contributing to a multi-car collision are a group of vehicles that are too close to one another on the highway or interstate, all traveling at a high rate of speed. The first two vehicles typically are involved in the initial crash, and other vehicles traveling near them can’t avoid the accident and set off a chain reaction. This can also happen with stopped vehicles that are stopped too close to each other. A strong impact from the rear can propel a vehicle forward into the vehicle that is stopped in front of it.

There are other ways that a multi-car collision can occur. For example, two cars may collide in a T-bone style collision at a four-way intersection, forcing one of the vehicles to be pushed into other stopped vehicles.

Often the individuals involved in the initial crash are at greater risk of suffering more severe injuries, as their car may receive multiple hits and the safety features of their damaged vehicles can no longer protect them.

How Does Comparative Negligence Factor Into Multi-Car Accidents?

In cases of multi-car accidents, Florida’s new modified comparative negligence law means that car accident injury victims can recover compensation only if their share of responsibility for the accident is 50 percent or less.

If the injured victim is 51 percent or more liable for the accident, he or she will not be able to recover anything from the defendant(s). In addition, the new law stipulates that injured victims must file negligence actions within two years of the accident instead of the previous four-year statute of limitations.

With the changes to the law and the complexity involved with multi-car accidents, it’s imperative to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can protect your legal rights and get you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Why Are Insurance Payouts High in Multi-Car Accidents?

Multi-car accidents have a high probability of having high insurance payouts due to several factors, including:

  • Severe bodily injury to all drivers and passengers involved in the collision
  • Significant vehicle and property damage

One of the most challenging aspects of a multi-car collision involves the fact that even if all parties involved have insurance, the damages may be greater than their policy coverage limits.

Many drivers choose to “stack” their car insurance to increase their coverage limits in case they are involved in an accident and there is not enough insurance coverage to fully pay for the damages for multiple injured people. When defendants do not have enough coverage to cover the costs of the injuries and damages to the people that they injure, accident victims may turn to their own insurance providers to make up the difference.

How Can an Attorney Help Me After a Multi-Car Accident?

If you were involved in a multi-car accident, seek qualified legal representation immediately. A qualified car accident attorney can review your case and assess it for any liability issues. Additionally, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the complex claims process accompanying multi-car accidents and represent you against the insurance company if the case needs to go to litigation.

If you would like to learn more about multi-car accidents, contact RTRLAW to schedule a consultation with a qualified legal team member.