If you have been involved in a multiple car accident on the highway, you have most likely suffered a variety of damages. However, determining who is liable for your damages might be a challenge on its own. Unless a driver is willing to admit he was responsible or liable for the crash, a major and thorough investigation will have to take place.
The police will investigate when they complete the accident report, and your personal injury attorney will also investigate the multiple car accident. Insurance companies that are involved will assign accident investigators who will work to determine who was responsible for the crash.
Chain Reaction Accidents
There are many factors that come into play when a chain reaction crash or multiple car accident takes place. The weather conditions, such as fog, rain, snow or ice, could play a role. A group of vehicles exceeding the speed limit can also be a contributor. One driver might be distracted or under the influence. One mistake can have devastating results.
Often, multiple car crashes happen because of a chain reaction rear-end collision where a series of cars are pushed into the vehicle in front of them. This might be because one car didn’t stop or because several cars were following too closely. At other times, a car might run a stop light or a stop sign and crash into other vehicles at the intersection. Regardless, it must be determined which driver or drivers will be liable for damages.
Negligence Comes into Play
While there are many causes for car accidents, negligence always plays a role. If you can prove a driver was negligent, then you can have a successful personal injury claim. Negligence consists of four elements – duty, breach, causation, and damages. In this case, duty is easy to prove.
Every driver has a duty or responsibility to act in a certain manner when behind the wheel to protect others from harm and to avoid a collision. This includes adhering to traffic laws. That duty is breached if the driver is distracted behind the wheel, such as texting, or if he or she fails to obey traffic laws.
When that breach causes an accident, causation has been met. Then, you will need to show that the accident that was caused by the breach of duty led to the damages that resulted.
Damages That Might Result
If you have been involved in a multiple car accident on the highway, a variety of damages might result. Those damages might include past and future medical expenses, past and future loss of earnings, pain and suffering, mental trauma, loss of consortium, permanent scarring, long-term disabilities, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Your personal injury attorney will help you determine your damages. Maintain documentation to support your claim, such as medical bills, medical records, proof of lost wages, photos of damages and injuries, and so forth.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a multiple car accident on the highway, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page so you can get your case on track with an accident injury lawyer.
