Being in a multi-vehicle accident is an overwhelming experience to handle. You have multiple people and their insurance companies to manage. You may also have no idea who was at fault or what is going to happen next. Fear not, a Baltimore personal injury attorney can walk you through the entire process and will answer any questions you may have. If you or a loved one was involved in a multi-vehicle accident, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras to discuss your options at getting compensated for your pain and suffering.
One of the first questions is what is a multi-vehicle accident. One type of multiple vehicle accidents is when one vehicle hits another in heavy traffic causing it to hit another car, causing a pileup. This type typically occurs on a highway that is heavily trafficked. Another type of multiple vehicle accidents is when one driver fails to obey the traffic law, such as running a red light and collides with the other vehicles in that intersection. Regardless of the type of multi-vehicle accident, they can all result in damages and injuries.
Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Now that you know what a multi-vehicle accident is, one question may be what causes these serious accidents. There are many causes of multiple vehicle collisions, one of the most common being distracted driving. When a driver is distracted, they are more likely to drive recklessly, coming in contact with other cars in the way. Another common cause is speeding, especially on highways. When traffic comes to a sudden stop, but the car behind you was excessively speeding, they may not be able to stop hitting you and causing you to hit the person in front of you due to the force.
Finally, another cause, which could be no one’s fault is poor road conditions. Often in the rain or snow, drivers can lose control of their cars, causing a multi-vehicle accident. It is common in the winter time when it is icy outside and cars lose traction causing them to slide into other cars and objects. Even though no one was recklessly driving, someone must be held accountable for your damages.
Who’s at Fault?
When determining who is at fault for the accident, it is going to depend on the circumstances of the accident. This will raise many questions, such as who had the right of way, were both or only one of the drivers negligent. Many people will think that the car who did the striking is without a doubt at fault, which may be true. However, it could be true that more than one car or driver was at fault for the accident.
In Maryland, the standard is contributory negligence meaning that if you were injured, but were even one percent at fault for the accident, you will be barred from recovering. In multiple vehicle accidents, who is at fault can become a difficult question to answer. There may be different parties to blame with each insurance company blaming one another. When you speak to a Baltimore personal injury attorney we will walk you through who was likely at fault and explain what options you have open to you.
How to File an Insurance Claim
When dealing with a multiple vehicle collision there will be multiple insurance agents involved all asking for statements. You should not make any statements without first talking to your attorney. Your insurance company will not want to pay you the full amount that you deserve.
When making a claim one of the most important things that you can do is document everything and collect all records that you can. Photographs are helpful to prove who caused the accident, as well as the damage that was incurred during the accident. it will also be crucial to save any medical records or bills that resulted from the accident. it is important to document the day of the accident and the proceeding days as you talk to police and insurance companies. Keeping a detailed record can only help when filing a claim, especially since there are multiple parties involved who will all be advocating on behalf of themselves.
You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible. the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to get an accurate report of what occurred and what damages were incurred. Once you file a report with your insurance company they will tell you what your deductible will be and direct you to a repair facility to get an estimate.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Court
Is there a time period that I must file my personal injury claim?
There is not a rush to file immediately, but there is a three-year statute of limitations. the sooner you file, the better because the memories will be fresher in your memory. So, if you have been injured in a car accident from merging, it is best to talk to a Baltimore personal injury attorney sooner, rather than later.
What if you’re not sure if you want to file?
If you are not one hundred percent sure you want to file a personal injury claim, come in and talk to us. At the Law Offices of Randolph Rice, we offer a free consultation for you to come in, tell us the facts, and for us to discuss possible options.
Long story short, if you have been injured in a car accident, you should not rely on anyone else to ensure that you get the just compensation you deserve. You need to fight for what is owed to you, which is exactly what a Baltimore personal injury attorney will do.
Contact Us for Assistance
We understand that you are under a lot of stress when you are forced to handle the backlash of a car accident. Calling a lawyer may not be the first thought that comes to mind after an accident. But, if you have been involved in a multiple vehicle collision, we want to help. Contact a Baltimore multi-vehicle accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve.