Getting hurt in a car crash is always a stressful experience, but multi-vehicle accidents can be especially overwhelming. Unlike single-car collisions, these wrecks may involve multiple parties, conflicting accounts, and complex liability issues. Washington DC also has some of the harshest laws in the nation when it comes to recovering compensation for car accident injuries. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and navigate the claims process effectively.
Since 1911, Marks & Harrison has successfully represented injured people throughout Virginia and the District of Columbia. Our track record includes numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for car accident victims. For over 10 years, U.S. News & World Report has named us a Tier 1 law firm in personal injury litigation, and many of our attorneys have received state and national accolades for their service to the profession. With a skilled team of in-house investigators and former insurance adjusters to assist with each case, our lawyers have the resources, grit, and talent to build robust cases demanding maximum compensation for accident victims.
If you suffered injuries in a crash with multiple cars, call or contact us now for a free consultation with a Washington DC multi-vehicle accident lawyer.
What Are Some Causes for Multi-Vehicle Accidents?
Multi-vehicle accidents typically have several contributing factors. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving – Motorists who text while driving or engage in other activities behind the wheel may fail to notice sudden traffic slowdowns, leaving little to no time to avoid a car accident on busy DC roads.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and shortens the potential braking distance, making it harder to avoid collisions.
- Rear-end collisions – A single rear-end car accident can send vehicles careening into each other, causing a chain-reaction pileup.
- Aggressive driving – Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or road rage can increase the likelihood of multi-vehicle auto accidents.
- Sudden stops or lane changes – Abrupt maneuvers, especially in congested traffic, can trigger collisions involving multiple vehicles.
- Weather conditions – Fog, rain, or icy roads can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the chances of pileups.
How Do You Determine Who is At Fault for a Multi-Vehicle Car Accident?
Establishing fault in a multi-vehicle accident can be complicated due to the involvement of more than one other driver. Strong evidence is critical to determine the responsible party(s).
Potential sources of evidence in a car accident case include:
- Medical records – You need proof of an injury to recover compensation for any car accident claim. Medical records can link your injuries to the crash and show how they have impacted your financial and personal life.
- Photographs – Having visual evidence of vehicle damage, accident scene, and visible injuries presents an accurate representation of the accident and the aftermath.
- Police report – Requesting a copy of the police accident report can provide critical details about the multi-vehicle crash, including statements from involved parties and any citations issued for broken traffic laws.
- Witness statements – Gathering information from witnesses who saw the accident can provide helpful insight and clarify what happened.
- Traffic camera footage – Nearby traffic cameras, dash cams, or surveillance footage can potentially show how the auto accident unfolded and who is at fault.
What Common Injuries Occur in Multi-Vehicle Accidents?
Multi-vehicle crashes are often high-impact crashes. Any forceful collision can cause severe injuries and a lengthy recovery period. Common car accident injuries include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Vital organ trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement
What Should You Do After a Multiple Vehicle Accident?
The aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident can be chaotic and confusing. You can protect your health and any potential car accident claim by taking the following steps:
- Check for injuries – Examine yourself and any passengers for injuries. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call 911 – Call law enforcement if they’re not already responding to the scene. A police report can help determine fault later on.
- Exchange contact information – Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Document the scene – If you can, take photos of injuries, vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, and traffic signs to capture the accident site as it was after the crash.
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Attend all follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and complete any other medical treatment exactly as prescribed.
- Keep receipts and medical bills – Document all accident-related losses. These records can assist in calculating the value of your claim and help you recover money for medical expenses, lost wages, and future costs.
- Check your auto insurance policy – Many insurers have notification deadlines for car crashes. Learn the timeline for your policy. If you must speak to the insurer before consulting a car accident lawyer, provide the basic facts but avoid speculating about fault.
- Call a seasoned car accident lawyer – A multi-vehicle accident lawyer in Washington DC can explain how the District’s strict negligence laws could affect your auto accident claim.
Can I Seek Compensation if I Was Involved in a Washington DC Multi-Vehicle Crash?
A car accident can lead to significant losses, causing stress, pain, and financial hardships. However, obtaining compensation in multi-vehicle accident cases can be challenging due to Washington DC’s contributory negligence laws. Under these rules, being even one percent at fault can bar a victim from recovering compensation.
However, there are exceptions to DC’s contributory negligence law. The last clear chance doctrine allows drivers to recover compensation even if they bear partial fault for a crash. To prevail in the case, the evidence must show that another party was the last one who could have avoided the accident but didn’t.
If you were involved in a multi-vehicle crash, you can bet that the insurance company will try to place a portion of the blame for the accident on you. The Washington DC car accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison will develop powerful arguments that counter any disputes from the other drivers’ insurance companies.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in DC for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Washington DC gives accident victims three years from the date of the crash to take legal action. Failing to file your claim within this timeframe may result in a dismissed case and no compensation.
Contact a Washington DC Multiple Vehicle Accident Attorney
Dealing with a car accident claim involving multiple vehicles can be time-consuming and distract you from what really matters — your health. Let the multiple-vehicle accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison pursue full and fair compensation while you recuperate. Call today for your free case review.
