Any car accident is a stressful experience requiring prompt and correct action to ensure a favorable settlement for damages and losses.
When a collision involves multiple cars, the stress is even greater, and the potential for diminished compensation due to shared liability is higher.
So, how do injured parties navigate the complex claims process to ensure they receive the compensatory damages they are entitled to?
The answer is simple – contact a lawyer after a multi-car accident.
Why to Contact A Lawyer After A Multi-Car Accident
After a multi-car accident, dealing with multiple drivers and insurance companies can be complicated. A lawyer helps by:
- Conduct thorough investigations
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Prove liability and assess damages
- Handle complex cases like rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, and rollovers
- Assist if you’re partially at fault
When you contact a lawyer after a multi-car accident, you ensure getting fair compensation, even if you’re partially at fault or if a government vehicle is involved. They can also assist if other drivers are uninsured.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer After A Multi-Car Accident?
In one-on-one accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays damages and losses to the injured party.
However, in a multi-car accident, things can quickly become complicated due to:
- Multiple parties involved, each with their own insurance companies and policies
- Difficulty determining liability and percentage of fault for each driver
- Delayed claim processing times due to the need for thorough investigations
- Potential disputes between insurance companies over coverage and liability
Fortunately, an experienced car accident lawyer makes navigating these complexities much easier. They have a deep understanding of insurance laws and policies, aggressively negotiating with insurance companies to ensure maximum compensation for damages and losses.
How Does A Lawyer Handle A Multi-Car Accident?
There are several ways a lawyer will assist in the aftermath of a multi-car accident, including but not limited to:
- Conducting an independent investigation to gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records
- Working with insurance companies to negotiate maximum compensation for damages and losses
- Proving liability by analyzing factors such as traffic laws, road conditions, and driver behaviors
- Consulting with medical experts to accurately assess the full extent of injuries and future medical needs
- Reconstructing the accident scene and using visual aids to portray the sequence of events
- Litigating in court if a settlement cannot be reached with insurance companies
These tasks are difficult to perform when accident injuries are still fresh, which is why hiring a personal injury lawyer immediately after a multi-car accident is crucial to the success of a personal injury claim.
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What Types Of Multi-Car Accidents Can A Lawyer Help Me With?
Rear-End Collisions
Determining who was at fault can be challenging when multiple cars slam into the back of one another. While it may initially seem like the last car in the chain is solely responsible, other factors may also be at play.
For example, if the front driver was intoxicated or driving recklessly in a rear-end collision, they may also hold some level of fault. Similarly, if the front car was going in reverse before the collision, they could be partially liable.
Determining who is at fault in this scenario requires analyzing each car’s position, speed, and actions before, during, and after the accident. This can be overwhelming for someone without legal experience, which is why involving a lawyer is essential.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone accidents involving multiple cars can create a world of uncertainty when it comes to liability. With multiple vehicles impacted at different angles, it can be challenging to pinpoint the initial point of impact and who caused the accident.
In some cases, the first driver to be hit may have violated traffic laws by running a red light or stop sign. Or, one of the drivers involved may have been driving under the influence or distracted at the time of the accident, making it difficult to avoid the collision.
Experienced car accident lawyers can work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the sequence of events leading up to the collision and identify any contributing factors that may impact liability.
Rollover Accidents
When trucks or SUVs roll over on roads and highways, it may not always be possible to determine who caused the accident. With drivers unable to avoid debris and swerving cars, rollover accidents can quickly become a confusing game of who’s at fault.
Moreover, other factors, such as poor road conditions or defective vehicle parts, may have contributed to the accident. This means multiple parties never at the scene may be liable for the injuries and damages sustained in a rollover accident.
A lawyer can thoroughly examine all potential contributing factors and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions, ensuring maximum compensation for claimants seeking damages.
How Can A Lawyer Help If I Am Found Partially At Fault For the Accident?
Nebraska’s modified comparative negligence law allows any parties involved to seek compensation from other drivers if they are less than 50 percent liable for the accident. However, the total compensation will be reduced by a percentage equal to the level of fault.
This rule highlights the benefit of pursuing compensation with the help of an experienced car accident attorney.
With legal professionals working to find the root cause of the accident and identify all liable parties, receiving more compensation may be possible than if injured parties handle claims on their own.
What Damages Can A Lawyer Help Me Recover After A Multi-Car Accident?
A lawyer can help recover various types of damages after a multi-car accident, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses for immediate and ongoing treatment related to injuries sustained in the accident
- Lost wages due to missed work as a result of injuries or medical appointments
- Property damage for repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles and belongings inside the vehicle at the time of the accident
- Pain and suffering endured from physical injuries, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident
- Loss of earning capacity if accident injuries prevent a return to work in the same capacity as before the accident
If death occurred in a multi-car accident, an experienced lawyer can also help surviving family members pursue damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
How Much Is A Multi-Car Accident Worth?
Nebraska has no caps on damages for personal injury claims, which means that the amount of compensation available after a multi-car accident is dependent on various factors unique to the case, including but not limited to:
- The severity of injuries sustained in the accident and their impact on daily life and future well-being
- The level of liability assigned to each party involved in the accident
- The amount of insurance coverage available for all parties involved
- The effectiveness of legal representation in negotiating an appropriate settlement or fighting for maximum compensation in court, if necessary.
Determining an exact dollar amount for a multi-car accident is impossible without considering these factors. However, an experienced lawyer can assess all circumstances and estimate potential compensation during a free case evaluation.
What Should I Do After A Multi-Car Accident?
Call the police.
No matter the accident’s severity, it is crucial to call the police and have them file an official report. This report will serve as valuable evidence when filing a claim with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
Gather evidence and contact information.
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect the contact information of all drivers involved in the accident and any witnesses present. This will help a lawyer build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Contact an experienced car accident attorney.
With so many complex factors in multi-car accidents, having an experienced car accident attorney is crucial. Even if the accident seems straightforward, a lawyer can help navigate potential challenges and ensure injured parties receive the compensation they deserve for someone else’s negligence.
Multi-Car Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a claim after a multi-car accident?
In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a multi-car accident is four years from the accident date. However, it’s best to start the claims process as soon as possible to gather evidence and avoid potential challenges in receiving compensation.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer after a multi-car accident?
Most car accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully secure compensation. This allows injured parties to pursue legal action without worrying about upfront costs.
One or more of the other drivers don’t have insurance. Can I still receive compensation?
In Nebraska, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required, so injured parties may be able to cover damages in a multi-car accident where one or more drivers do not have sufficient insurance. An experienced lawyer can also help explore other options for receiving compensation in this situation, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
My multi-Car accident involves a government entity. What should I do?
If a government entity, such as a city bus or police car, is involved in a multi-car accident, it is important to seek legal guidance immediately. These cases can be complex and may involve different procedures and deadlines for filing claims against government entities. An experienced lawyer will have knowledge and experience navigating these types of cases and can help ensure the claims process is fulfilled according to the law.
How long does it take to settle a multi-car accident claim?
The time it takes to settle a multi-car accident claim can vary depending on the case’s complexity and whether or not it goes to trial. Sometimes, a settlement may be reached within a few months; in others, it could take over a year. It’s best to discuss potential timelines with a lawyer during the initial consultation.
Contact A Lawyer After A Multi-Car Accident To Ensure Maximum Compensation
Finding the right lawyer after a multi-car accident is crucial in holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
At Berry Law, our award-winning legal professionals can provide the comprehensive and compassionate representation needed to minimize liability and maximize compensation.
Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about how a car accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of multi-car accidents in Nebraska.
