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Multi-Car Accident Attorney in Jacksonville
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Any car accident can be a trauma, even a minor one. A multi-car crash can add chaos and confusion to an already bad situation. In fact, a chain-reaction car accident can be so dramatic that movies have been made about such smash-ups. And real life can be more dramatic than fiction. There have been more than 20 motor vehicle crashes in the United States involving 100 or more vehicles, and a few with more than 200.
Whether the crash involves three or four vehicles at an intersection or a pile-up of a dozen or more cars on the interstate, a multi-vehicle accident often means multiple injuries. Sometimes, it also means multiple responsible parties. That can make the aftermath of the accident more difficult for everyone, and pursuing compensation more complicated.
Complications in a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Multi-vehicle accidents often mean that first responders have to prioritize. Depending on the number of vehicles involved, the roadway may be blocked, meaning that it can take longer and be more difficult to attend to everyone and move vehicles that were involved in the crash. It can also be more complicated to exchange automobile insurance with every other driver. But you should, if you can–the driver who actually hit your vehicle may not be the one who caused the accident.
Most importantly, when you’re involved in a multi-car crash, there may be multiple possible responsible parties. In a large crash, especially a chain-reaction pile-up, you may not even see or come in contact with the car or truck that caused the crash. That means you may not be able to relate exactly what happened or identify the person who caused the accident.
Talk to a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
After any accident, it’s in your best interest to talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. In part, that’s because it’s best to avoid interactions with the insurance company and let your attorney handle them from the beginning. But, it’s also because evidence can be lost as time passes. Security camera video that caught the accident may be erased. Witnesses may move or change phone numbers, or they may simply forget the details. Vehicles are repaired or totaled, eliminating physical evidence.
That importance increases in a multi-car crash, as it may take more investigation to determine and prove who was at fault in the accident.
At Harrell & Harrell, our practice is dedicated to helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Our personal injury lawyers have served the Jacksonville area for decades, and have deep knowledge of both Florida car accident law and the local court system. To learn more about how we can help you fight for fair compensation after a multi-car accident or any motor vehicle accident, call us today at 904-251-1111 or fill out our contact form right now.
Multi-Car Accident FAQs
Q: What constitutes a multi-car crash accident?
In some official reporting, you’ll see any motor vehicle accident that involves more than one vehicle described as multi-vehicle. From the perspective of a car accident lawyer, though, multi-car generally means at least three vehicles–and in some cases many more. One Florida multi-car crash several years ago involved 70 vehicles, four deaths, and dozens of injuries.
Q: What are some common causes of multi-car accidents?
One of the most common causes of multi-car accidents is poor visibility. Some of the largest multi-vehicle accidents in Florida have been caused in part by rain or fog. However, it’s important to recognize that even in poor conditions, driver behavior affects accidents. For example, drivers traveling too fast for conditions or following too close may be to blame for triggering a multi-vehicle collision.
Q: How is fault determined in a multi-car accident?
Determining liability can be complicated after a multi-car accident, and more than one party may be liable. For example, the driver of the car that hit you may not be responsible, or may be only partly responsible, if another car pushed them into your vehicle. A car accident lawyer will use a combination of witness accounts, available video footage, damage to vehicles and possibly accident reconstruction to identify all possible responsible parties. This may also include parties who weren’t present for the accident, such as the employer of a driver who was on the job when the crash occurred.
Q: What should I do immediately after being involved in an accident with multiple cars?
The first steps after a multi-car crash are very much the same as in a two-vehicle crash–just a bit more complicated. First, check yourself for injuries. Don’t get out of the vehicle unless you can do so safely. If you’re able, call the police. Then, exchange insurance information with all involved drivers. While this might prove impossible if the crash is a pile-up involving dozens of vehicles, do the best you can. Take pictures or video if you’re able, and try to collect contact information from any witnesses. Share any information you collected with your car crash lawyer as soon as possible, so they can follow up while memories are fresh.
Q: Should I seek medical attention, even if I feel fine after the accident?
If you have any doubt at all about whether you are injured or whether your injuries are serious, err on the side of caution. Immediately after a crash, shock may prevent you from fully feeling your injuries, and some types of injuries get worse if they’re not treated right away. Delaying care can also make it harder for you to collect compensation if you are injured.
Q: What types of compensation can I pursue in a multi-car accident case?
The type of compensation you may be entitled to varies depending on issues such as how serious your injuries were and whether you were partly at fault for the accident. Your auto accident lawyer can tell you more about what types of damages may be available in your case. Some of the most common types are payment of medical bills and related costs, replacement of income lost due to the injury, and compensation for pain and suffering.
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Testimonials
I had an auto accident but did not believe there was going to be a positive outcome, as the opposing insurance companies fought the process. However, Lauralee Rodriguez assured me that she would be persistent in the case, if I would be patient. Well, I was patient (as well as doubtful, lol), but SHE DID IT and SHE DID IT WELL!!! I am very satisfied with the service and the outcome of the case. GREAT FIRM!!! Thank you Harrell & Harrell for employing competent staff.
