If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you should contact a law firm that has extensive experience handling this type of complex case. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we have the skill and resources to represent clients after the most complicated collisions, so please call today to learn how we can help protect your rights.
Even the most straightforward car accident could present complications and challenges. When a crash involves three, four, or more vehicles, the difficulties rise exponentially. It takes a team of knowledgeable lawyers to sort out what occurred, which drivers are liable, and how to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Chain reaction crashes and multi-vehicle collisions often result in catastrophic damages and devastating injuries. If you or a loved one suffered an injury, you could be facing massive medical bills, months or years of physical therapy, permanent impairment, and lost significant lost income. You need a law firm committed to fighting for your rights. To schedule a free consultation, call our law offices at (410) 694-7291.
How Chain Reaction Crashes Can Occur
Accidents involving several vehicles can happen in many different ways. Often one car may lose control and collide with another car to start the chain of events. Other cars may then crash for the following reasons and more:
- Driving too fast to slow down or stop for the sudden crash
- Distracted driving prevents them from noticing the need to stop in time
- Cars suddenly brake to look at a crash that just occurred, causing other drivers to collide with them
- Cars stop to help the crash victims but do not pull far enough off the road
- Drivers are following too closely and cannot stop to avoid crashing
- A collision sends a car into another lane or oncoming traffic, which continues the crash
These are only some of many ways that chain reaction car accidents can happen. One thing is for certain, however – there is always the potential for multiple motorists to suffer severe and life-altering injuries if this type of accident occurs.
Determining Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Crash
After a multi-vehicle accident, each driver will likely try to claim that they were not at fault in the crash, while assigning blame to other drivers. In Maryland, if you are deemed even slightly at fault for a crash, you will not be able to hold any other drivers liable for your losses. Therefore, it is critical to have an attorney on your side who can fight against allegations of liability on your part.
Our law firm knows how to identify when others parties should be held liable and to take the necessary legal action against them so you can recover for your medical bills and other losses. Our attorneys can also help you seek compensation from your own no-fault insurance if applicable. We will explore every possible avenue to ensure you are fully compensated whenever possible after this traumatic type of crash.
Evidence of Liability in Maryland Multi-Vehicle Accidents
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, insurance companies for the other drivers will investigate the crash and gather as much information as possible before determining liability, including reviewing police reports, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and whatever evidence is available. Additionally, a professional accident investigator will look at other factors, including the road and weather conditions.
You do not want to rely on an insurance company’s liability determination will work in your favor. Insurance companies are in the business of reducing their liability, not paying you fair compensation. Our Baltimore car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your accident to help establish that another driver was liable.
You Should Gather Evidence After a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Maryland
The steps you take after an accident, especially a multi-vehicle accident could be vital in building a personal injury claim. A successful lawsuit or insurance negotiation could hinge on evidence that is only available in the moments following an accident. the health of you and your passengers should always be your first concern. However, if you are physically able and it is safe, you should consider the following suggestions.
Check for Injuries
After any accident, you should check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Additionally, you should accept any medical help from paramedics or other personnel at the scene of the accident. If you refuse medical attention, you are giving an insurance company a reason to deny your claim. More importantly, you want to ensure you have medical documentation connecting your injury to the accident. If you delay in receiving medical treatment, a seasoned defense attorney would argue that your injury could have resulted from another incident.
Call Law Enforcement
When an accident involves three or more cars, there will likely be significant damage and possible injuries. If it is safe, you should stay in your car to protect yourself. Furthermore, you should call 911 to ensure law enforcement and medical personnel is dispatched to the scene.
Take Photographs
If it is safe and you are physically capable, you should take photographs of the accident scene. Take pictures of every car involved – from as many angles as possible. Be sure to include any damage the vehicles suffered, their relative positions, and any skid marks, spills, or other noticeable conditions on the road. You should also photograph any injuries you suffered.
Gather Driver Information
If possible, you should gather the contact and insurance information from other drivers involved in the accident. You might have to wait for a police report if the crash and injuries were severe.
Witness Statements
Accounts from independent witnesses could be very valuable in a personal injury claim or insurance negotiation. You should gather statements and contact information from anyone who saw the accident occur. While the police report might include all the available witnesses, a crucial witness may leave before the police arrive. Furthermore, our Ocean City personal injury lawyers will want to speak with any witnesses as soon as possible.
Be Careful About What Your Say
What you say immediately after a multi-vehicle accident could be used against you at trial or during insurance negotiations. You should not apologize to anyone at the scene or offer an opinion as to what occurred. Under no circumstances should you make excuses for what happened. If the police question you, you should only relate facts. Even an innocent statement such as “I’m OK” could be used to deny or reduce an injury claim.
Complications in Maryland Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Every car accident claim presents its own unique challenges and difficulties, even when liability and fault are obvious. However, liability in multi-vehicle collisions is rarely evident or uncontested.
Multiple Drivers Could Be At Fault
When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, the negligent conduct of multiple drivers could be to blame. Just because you believe you are a victim, it does not mean that one or more other drivers will not file insurance claims or lawsuits against you.
Our Maryland car accident attorneys have the resources and experience to thoroughly evaluate a complex car accident claim. Whether filing multiple personal injury lawsuits or working with competing insurance companies, our team of lawyers will aggressively represent your interests.
Maryland’s Contributory Negligent Laws
When an accident involves multiple cars and drivers, every party will likely cast blame on everyone else. Liability is rarely obvious in a multi-car collision, so at least one defendant will allege that you contributed to the crash. Because of the way Maryland law governs personal injury claims, this is of critical importance.
Maryland follows a severe legal doctrine known as contributory negligence. Under this harsh legal doctrine, if a plaintiff contributed to an accident or injury, they are prohibited from receiving financial compensation from a defendant. This means, if a plaintiff’s conduct is found to have contributed even 1% to a multi-vehicle collision, they might not be barred from any compensation. It is crucial to have a Dundalk personal injury attorney that understands the nuances and intricacies of Maryland’s negligence laws.
Find Out How a Baltimore Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorney Can Help You
The contributory negligence laws in Maryland are strict and can make it complicated to recover after a multi-vehicle crash. You should never give up, however, as Rice, Murtha & Psoras will see your case through to the very end. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call (410) 694-7291 or contact us online today.