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3 Factors That May Complicate an Accident Claim After a Multi-Vehicle Accident

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If you have been hurt in a multi-vehicle accident, you should seek compensation for your injuries. However, multi-vehicle accidents present various challenges that may drag on your claim or cause it to be rejected by the insurance company. Understanding these issues beforehand allows you to build a solid case and earn adequate compensation. Here are three factors that may complicate your injury claim and how to approach them for a more positive outcome.

Conflicting Motorist Accounts

In a two-vehicle, it is easy to narrate the events leading up to the crash. It is often clear which motorist caused the crash. However, in a multiple-vehicle accident, there are over two or three people involved. Each motorist may have a different account of how the accident happened. Thus, each driver may give a different version of the incident to the police. 

Despite the conflicting accounts, it's vital to give your version of the accident to the police. Collect witness statements and compare them to the accounts given by other drivers. Also, take photos of the accident scene, as these can be used by reconstruction experts to further understand what may have happened, establish the negligent party, and increase your odds of getting adequate compensation.

Chain Reaction and Lengthy Investigations

Most multi-vehicle accidents trigger a chain of reactions, making it difficult to prove liability. For example, if one driver brakes suddenly, the motorist behind them will brake to avoid a collision. The sudden braking causes a rear-end collision with the next car and the one after it. Therefore, the first car triggers a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. 

Even if your vehicle was the last one in the reaction chain, you may still be held liable for rear-ending the motorist in front of you. This complicates the claims and calls for in-depth investigations, which may drag on for a long time. However, with an accident lawyer, you can speed up the process and receive a positive outcome.

Unclear Liability

As seen above, drivers in a multi-vehicle accident may be partially liable for ramming into other vehicles, even if the accident wasn't their fault. Therefore, it's hard to pin 100% liability on one driver, especially if your injuries didn't result directly from the first crash. It is not clear whose insurance company you should notify. 

You can go over police reports to find any records of negligence among the other drivers. Was there a driver who was speeding, drunk, or distracted? Were there drivers who received traffic citations? If so, use this information to establish each driver's liability and build your case. 

Multi-vehicle injury claims can be complicated and tedious. However, with proper legal representation, you can receive compensation for your injuries. Contact an auto accident attorney to initiate the claims process.


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