Why are multi-vehicle crashes so complex?

If you were involved in a car wreck involving multiple vehicles, you're likely dealing with a highly complex claim. Dealing with the at-fault driver's insurance company in a two-car crash can be difficult enough. In a multi-vehicle crash, you're dealing with more than one insurance company.

The problem with multi-vehicle crashes is that determining who was at fault can be extremely difficult. That's why your crash needs to be fully investigated by an experienced car accident attorney.

What causes multi-vehicle car accidents?

Multi-vehicle crashes often originate from two-car crashes, such as rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and T-bone crashes. They are the result of a chain reaction.

Here are some examples:

• One car is pushed forward into another car or into the line of traffic.
• Two or more cars block the roadway after a crash. Other drivers can't stop in time to avoid an additional crash.
• A crash may send two cars in different directions, such as into an intersection or oncoming lane.

These are only just a few examples of how multi-vehicle crashes can happen. These types of crashes can be started by the negligence of one driver (distracted driving, speeding, etc.) or caused by the actions of two drivers (road rage, racing, or aggressive driving).

Some additional factors that could increase the risk of multi-vehicle crashes include:

• Hazardous weather, poor visibility, slippery road conditions
• Traffic congestion
• High speed limits
• Curvy roadways
• Poorly-designed intersections
• Crashes involving large commercial trucks

How are multi-vehicle crashes sorted out?

Multi-vehicle crashes are often messy. They tend to do a great deal of damage and result in multiple serious injuries. It takes an in-depth investigation to sort things out. Here's why:

• More than one person could be at fault.
• Multiple insurance companies could be involved.
• One or more driver involved may be under-insured or uninsured.

The insurance companies strongly dislike multi-vehicle crashes due to the amount of money they could lose. In order to protect their own bottom line, they'll attempt to downplay the at-fault driver's role in the crash. They may also offer small settlements to anyone injured in a crash, but these small settlements only cover a fraction of the actual damages accrued.

Once you accept a settlement, your case is closed. That means you have no chance of pursuing any additional compensation for your medical expenses and wage loss due to missed days at work.

The South Carolina attorneys at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm can help you build a solid legal claim by:

• Reconstructing the crash scene
• Obtaining a police report of the crash
• Getting a subpoena for cellphone records (if distracted driving was involved)
• Checking surveillance camera footage (if available)
• Speaking to witnesses

If you are contacted by an insurance company after your crash, do not speak to them. Instead, contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with our legal team. We'll handle the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.