Multi-Vehicle Car Accident
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS SINCE 1983
Miami car accident attorneys at Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to get you maximum compensation for your car accident injuries.
The action of one vehicle can lead to a series of collisions. A multi-car accident can be chaotic and complex because it usually involves different parties. Further, it has an increased risk of serious injuries and complicated insurance claims.
Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, has a team of lawyers experienced in handling multi-vehicle accidents. Our Florida multi-vehicle car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims protect their rights.
Get in touch to learn more about filing Miami car accident claims.
What Exactly Is a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
A multi-car accident is a collision involving three or more vehicles. For example, when a driver crashes into a car ahead of them, and the latter hits another one in front of it, creating a chain reaction.
Common scenarios of multi-vehicle accidents include rear-end chain reactions, highway pile-ups, and accidents at intersections.
With various cars involved in the accident and varying degrees of damage and injuries, multi-vehicle crashes present a heightened complexity compared to two-car collisions.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Collisions in Florida
The common factors that lead to multi-vehicle collisions are:
- Speeding and aggressive driving: This creates unsafe conditions that increase the risk of a multi-car accident.
- Distracted driving: Distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Tailgating/following too closely: A driver who lacks time to react safely may cause an accident.
- Poor weather conditions: Such as heavy rains and fog reduce visibility.
- Sudden stops or obstructions on the road: These can increase the risk of chain reaction collisions.
- Improper lane changes: When a driver merges unsafely, it can cause another one to brake suddenly or swerve, which can result in a crash.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Driving with impaired judgment, reduced awareness, and impaired vision can cause a chain reaction collision.
- Road construction or hazards: Reduced visibility, congestion, lane closures, and sudden changes in speed limits, road surfaces, and lane configurations can lead to driver error.
How To Determine Fault in a Multi-Car Accident
Fault can be shared among multiple parties in a multi-vehicle collision. Liability in these accidents is investigated by using:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, debris, and vehicle positioning
- The damage patterns on the vehicles
- Traffic camera footage/dashcam evidence
- Accident reconstruction experts
If a Car Hits You and You Hit Another Car, Who Is at Fault?
The driver who caused the initial impact is at fault in a multi-car accident. Therefore, the driver who hit you.
An intervening cause might be used to define your part in the accident. This is a new and independent event that occurs after a defendant’s negligent act but before the plaintiff’s injury. You being pushed to hit the other car is an intervening cause.
The percentage of fault of every involved driver will be calculated when you file a multi-vehicle accident claim. According to Florida’s comparative negligence rules, your fault should be 50% or less to be compensated.
Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Car Rear-End Accident?
In a rear-end collision, the driver who is behind is always presumed to be at fault. This is because it’s expected of them to maintain a safe following distance, which allows them to react safely. However, this presumption is rebuttable. And one of the scenarios you can rebut is when involved in a multi-car accident. You can prove that the car that hit you pushed you into the third vehicle.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law and Your Claim
As mentioned before, Florida’s modified comparative negligence system applies in multi-vehicle accidents. If your percentage of fault is not greater than 50%, you can recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
It’s crucial to work with a Florida multi-vehicle car accident lawyer to protect yourself against unfair blame. It’s critical to build a strong case to minimize your percentage of fault as much as possible in a multi-car accident claim.
Immediate Steps To Take After a Multi-Vehicle Car Crash in Miami
When you are involved in a multi-car accident, you need to:
- Check for injuries and then move to a safe location, if possible.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Gather information, including names, contact info, and insurance details of all drivers. You should also collect the contact information of witnesses.
- If safe, take photos and videos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and license plates before the cars are moved.
- Do not admit fault.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. Inform them of the multi-vehicle collision, but be cautious with recorded statements without legal advice.
- Contact a multi-vehicle collision attorney.
Get in touch with our Miami car accident lawyer to understand your options.
How Insurance Claims Work in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Insurance claims can be different when it comes to multi-vehicle accidents. Typically, Florida insurance companies follow a no-fault system for personal injury protection (PIP).
The Role of PIP (Personal Injury Protection) in Florida
Florida no-fault laws require all licensed drivers who own a vehicle registered in the state to carry PIP insurance. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, this insurance will be the first source of recovery.
This multi-accident car insurance will cover your medical expenses up to 80%, 60% of lost wages, and 100% of replacement services.
Dealing With Multiple Insurance Companies
It can be challenging to deal with multiple insurers. For starters, each insurance company will assign its own adjuster to investigate the accident. It can be difficult to coordinate with several adjusters with conflicting assessments, as insurers will try to shift blame to deny liability or reduce payout.
A lawyer can substantially save you this stress. They will communicate with adjusters and handle negotiations on your behalf.
What if the At-Fault Driver(s) are Uninsured or Underinsured?
If the at-fault driver(s) are uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This ensures you recover damages despite being hit by a driver who lacks sufficient coverage.
An attorney can help you when pursuing a UM/UIM claim by ensuring you gather solid evidence and file the claim properly. They can also help you negotiate a fair settlement from your insurer.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
When you file a multi-vehicle accident claim, you can recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (vehicle repairs/replacement)
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (if applicable)
It’s vital to understand how to calculate these damages. Some Miami car accident claims usually end with victims receiving payouts that seem fair, only for them to cover expenses out of pocket in the future. A skilled lawyer can help you estimate a fair settlement.
Why You Need an Experienced Florida Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Lawyer
When you are injured in a multi-vehicle car crash in Miami, our experienced Florida multi-vehicle car accident lawyer can help you investigate the case to establish fault, protecting you from unfair blame.
Additionally, they will handle negotiations with the multiple insurers involved, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve without having to coordinate with various adjusters. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will take the case to court to protect your rights.
The multi-vehicle collision attorneys at Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, are local experts. We understand local laws and how insurers operate.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQ
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Florida?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file such a claim in Florida.
What if One of the Drivers in the Multi-Vehicle Accident Fled the Scene (Hit-And-Run)?
They will face legal consequences for their action. You should exchange information with the other drivers at the scene, and call the police to report the accident.
Can Passengers in a Multi-Vehicle Accident Also Claim Compensation? From Whom?
Yes. They can claim compensation from the insurance company of the at-fault driver(s).
My Car Was Totaled in a Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up, but I Wasn’t Seriously Injured. Can I Still Get Compensation for My Car?
Yes. You can claim property damage from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They should cover the costs of your totaled vehicle.
What Kind of Evidence Is Most Crucial in a Complex Multi-Vehicle Accident Case Involving Conflicting Accounts?
The chances of conflicting accounts in a multi-vehicle accident case can be high since every insurer wants to protect itself. The most crucial evidence is any objective element. These include police reports, witness statements, visual records, physical evidence, and expert testimony.
Sources:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP). (2011).
The Importance of Prompt Medical Care After an Accident. (2024).
