Multi-vehicle pileups can cause serious injuries. It can also be difficult to sort out liability when various drivers are involved. Compensation may be limited if the at-fault driver or drivers only had minimum liability insurance, so you must work diligently to prepare a strong San Antonio multi-vehicle accident claim, which starts at the beginning when you take the following steps:
Get to Safety
If possible, move your car out of the path of traffic to avoid any further collisions. Your safety is the top priority, and you could be injured in subsequent accidents if you do not move.
Check for Injuries
Once you are safe to do so, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Check on the occupants of other vehicles. Call 911 to report any injuries and request an ambulance.
Wait for the Police
Law enforcement will likely respond to assist with transporting injury victims to the nearest hospital and to begin an investigation into the case to determine who is at fault for the accident. A police officer may ask the drivers involved for their accounts of the events that transpired and interview witnesses. They may prepare a police report that includes important details about the crash, such as:
- The exact location, time, and date of the accident
- The chain of events that led to the multiple crashes
- Road and weather conditions
- Driver statements
- A diagram of the position of the vehicles
- Take damage notes about each vehicle
Some accident reports may indicate a driver was ticketed for violating a traffic rule or provide an initial opinion about the determination of fault. The accident report can be a critical piece of evidence in your insurance claim.
Exchange Information
Ask for the following information for all other drivers:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Vehicle information
- Insurance details
Also, ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
Take Pictures
Document the accident scene by using your cell phone camera to capture the following details at the accident scene:
- Damage to all vehicles involved in the accident
- Skid marks, road debris, and other physical evidence
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Nearby traffic lights or signs
- Cross streets
Take close-up and wide-shot pictures of the accident scene.
Contact a Lawyer
Pileup crashes can be complex. They may deal with liability from multiple parties. An experienced car wreck attorney in San Antonio can investigate the crash to determine its cause and who was responsible. Common causes of these crashes include:
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
- Following too closely
- Road hazards, such as potholes, sudden lane closures, or debris on the roadway
- Mechanical issues
A car accident lawyer can help by preparing your insurance claims against multiple at-fault drivers. They can request a copy of the accident report, interview witnesses, request traffic camera footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint the various issues that contributed to the crash. They can also manage communication with the insurance company so you don’t say anything that could damage your claim.
Your time to file a legal claim is limited. Take the first step toward protecting your legal rights by contacting George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.