Car Accident
Greg
Oct 08, 2024

You were involved in a multi-car accident. Who pays? Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state meaning that each driver’s insurance is responsible for paying their own claim, regardless of fault. However, depending on the type of insurance you have “limited tort” or “full tort” you may be able to sue the liable party for pain and suffering damages.

Whether you found yourself in a multiple vehicle pileup, intersection crash, or the victim of improper lane changes, it is critical to take action to secure your compensation claim. A car accident lawyer can assist you with making a claim, insurance company negotiations, and taking legal action.

What Happens in a Multi-Car Collision?

Crashes involving multiple vehicles can happen anywhere. However, interstate accidents and intersection collisions are some of the most common. In a multi-car collision, one car may hit multiple cars, or one car hitting another car may cause it to hit a third vehicle (chain reaction crashes). 

A phantom car is another way that these types of accidents can occur. A phantom vehicle is one that does not make physical contact with another car or cars, but creates a hazardous condition leading to a crash, and then leaves the accident scene. Run-off accidents or drifting between lanes causing other cars to swerve, are some examples.

T-bones, rear-end collisions, and sideswipes are some ways that multiple car accidents can happen. If you’ve been involved in a 3-car collision, it is important to take steps to protect your car accident rights.

Common Causes of 3 Car Accidents

While 3 car accidents can occur in multiple situations and locations, there are some driving behaviors that can increase the risk of these types of motor vehicle crashes. Some of the top reasons these crashes happen include:

  • Distracted Driving
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe Lane Changes
  • Disobeying Traffic Signs 
  • Failure to Use Turn Signals
  • Traffic Congestion
  • Visibility Issues 
  • Poor Road Conditions

Being aware of the dangers and using safe driving practices when traveling are crucial to accident prevention.

Common Injuries in a Three-Car Accident

A car accident affects you emotionally and physically. Some common injuries after a collision include:

  • Neck and Back Injuries
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Fractures
  • Concussions
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Contusions and Lacerations
  • PTSD
  • Anxiety and Depression

Whiplash claims are also common following a multi-vehicle crash, particularly in the case of rear-end collisions.

Not only can you recover damages for your medical bills, but you can also recover lost wages after a car accident if you were unable to work. If you have full tort coverage and another driver was liable, you may be able to seek pain and suffering damages. 

Determine Liability in a Three-Car Accident

While Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, making a fault determination may still be essential no matter if you chose full tort or limited tort coverage. In cases with multiple impacts this may be more challenging since more than one driver may share fault. On the other hand, when there are multiple at-fault parties there may be multiple insurance resources available for your attorney to get the compensation you deserve. 

Under the modified comparative fault rule, each party is assigned a percentage of fault. Even if you are partially to blame you can still recover in a personal injury lawsuit, as long as you are less than 51% at-fault for the accident. 

Gathering sufficient evidence to support your claim and working with an experienced lawyer can be crucial to settle my car accident case out of court. A solid foundation and skillful negotiation are essential to efficiently and effectively settling your case.

What to Do After a 3-Car Accident

Even in low-impact car accidents it’s essential to take steps to secure your accident claim. After a crash happens you should:

  1. Ensure the safety of yourself and others involved in the accident.
  2. Contact emergency services to report the crash. 
  3. Seek immediate medical attention.
  4. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, if you are able.
  5. Contact a lawyer for assistance with your claim.
  6. Provide your attorney with all medical bills, evidence of property damage, and injuries.

In a personal injury case, it is essential to show that any injuries you have suffered are related to the crash. Keeping a record of your symptoms and expenses, along with prompt medical treatment, can bolster your claim.

How to Prove What Happened in a Multi-Car Crash

Evidence collection is critical to proving what happened in a crash. Police reports, accident photos and videos, electronic data recorder (EDR) data, witness statements, and expert testimony can all be vital to an accident investigation.

It may also be determined by car accident damage. Depending on the vehicle damage on each car and an accident reconstruction, adjusters and the parties may be able to ascertain what occurred during the crash and who may be at-fault.

How an Accident Lawyer Can Help Navigate a Multi-Car Crash

The time following an accident can be overwhelming. When 3 or more vehicles are involved, understanding the implications can add to the challenges. An attorney can review your insurance policy, identify all possible sources of compensation, make claims on your behalf, and advocate for you. 

When you need help fighting the insurance company after a car accident, The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. is here for you. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of car collision law and can skillfully handle your insurance claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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