A two-car accident is bad enough, but when multiple cars are involved, things become even more dangerous and frightening—not to mention chaotic. When more than two cars are involved in a crash, it tends to make the personal injury claim that much more complicated. In fact, ascertaining fault can be especially tricky. If another motorist’s negligence leaves you injured in a multi-car accident, you need the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyer.
Your Safety
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that involves multiple cars, it’s important to put first things first. Your safety—and the safety of everyone else involved—should always be your first priority. When multiple cars are involved, it means that the roadway is that much more tumultuous, so doing whatever you can to pull off the roadway should be your first order of business—if possible. Once you get out of the melee, call 911 immediately. The next step is to assess your physical condition—you’re that much more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident that involves more than two vehicles. If you find that you’re able, go to the aid of any other accident victims.
Seek Medical Attention
Once the emergency medical crew arrives, avail yourself of their services. A multi-car accident can be so disorienting and upsetting that you may be in shock—and not even recognize how badly you’ve been injured. Even if you don’t believe you’ve sustained any significant physical injuries, you should understand that serious injuries can lay dormant before they make themselves known:
● Traumatic brain injuries - Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually caused by a blow to the head or by the violent shaking of the head on the neck—both of which are extremely likely in a multi-car crash. TBIs can be slow to present, but early diagnosis is always in your best interest. TBIs are closely associated with extensive physical, emotional, and financial damages. Sufferers of TBIs sometimes characterize them as leading to an “altered sense of self.” In other words, the negative consequences of a serious TBI are difficult to overstate.
● Spinal cord injuries - Spinal cord injuries are caused by an injury to any part of the spinal cord, and a blunt force, such as that experienced in a car crash involving multiple cars, may bring them on. A serious spinal cord injury can lead to extreme ongoing pain, to physical disabilities, an even to partial or complete paralysis at or below the site of the injury. A spinal cord injury can go undetected until it’s become far more serious and more difficult to treat.
● Whiplash - Whiplash is caused when your head is whipped forward and back in an arching motion much like the cracking of a whip. Multi-car accidents are rife with opportunities to experience whiplash. Whiplash can be slow to present, is often exceedingly painful, and can turn into a permanent disability. Whiplash should always be taken very seriously.
Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
Every accident scene tells a story, and each is unique. While two-car accidents are often complicated, multi-car accidents are more so. As such, it’s important to do what you can to document the scene of the accident. If you are able, take pictures and videos with your smartphone that capture the crash from every conceivable angle. The more details you can capture and compile, the better you’ll be able to support your accident narrative. It’s important to remember, however, that if you can’t gather evidence on your own, others will take over. The sooner you obtain a skilled Connecticut personal injury attorney, the sooner he or she will go to work collecting important evidence on your behalf—evidence that has a way of disappearing fairly quickly.
Besides documenting the accident scene via photos and videos, there are a variety of other kinds of evidence you can assemble:
● Eyewitness testimony and eyewitness contact information
● A quick sketch of everything you remember associated with the accident and where it took place, including any obstacles on the road or other extenuating circumstances
● A brief written document that describes—in your own words—exactly how the accident happened
Sketching the scene and jotting down your memories—as soon as you are able—will help you keep the details of the accident fresh, will allow you to better remember the sequence of events that led up to the accident, and will solidify your own take on exactly what transpired.
What Not to Do
You’ve been in a multi-car accident, and it’s only natural to be at a loss for how to proceed, but keep in mind that the less you share with people at the scene of the accident, the better off you’re likely to be. If an officer directs questions at you, answer as succinctly and truthfully as possible—now is not the time to become verbally expansive. Otherwise, keep your thoughts to yourself. Words that you share excitedly at the scene of the accident—including that apology for simply being there—can come back to haunt your claim. Save your story for your dedicated Connecticut personal injury lawyer.
The Insurance Company
If you’ve been injured in a multi-car accident, you are going to be hearing from an insurance company or two. Recognizing that the insurance company is motivated by increasing profits and not by providing you with the compensation to which you are entitled is critical. Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company; your skilled personal injury attorney will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
If the Negligence of Someone Else Leaves You Injured in a Multi-Car Crash, You Need an Experienced Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney
If another driver leaves you injured in a multi-car accident, you need the professional legal counsel of an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney. The dedicated legal team at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau has been proudly serving Connecticut for almost three decades, and we’re here to help you. Multi-car accidents are especially complicated, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (860) 875-7000 for more information today.
