Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents in Georgia

Multiple-vehicle collisions, also known as pile-ups, are one of the deadliest types of traffic accidents. These accidents involve three to any number of automobiles, and frequently result in serious injuries and property damage. With more vehicles involved, the likelihood of harm is much greater. The attorneys at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers have handled claims for a wide range of car accident cases over the years, including multi-vehicle car accidents.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents

A typical multi-vehicle accident involves one driver hitting another, and a chain reaction involving three or more vehicles occurring as a result. Multi-vehicle accidents may be caused by:

• Inclement weather: Snow, ice, rain, or fog can make roads slippery and impair drivers’ vision.
• Blocked line of sight: A driver’s line of sight being obstructed by the landscape or other vehicles may result in a pileup when they encounter hazards without warning.
• Speeding: Traveling at a high rate of speed makes it difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Distracted and intoxicated drivers: Drivers distracted by electronic devices or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lose control of their vehicles, resulting in a multi-car accident.
• Road hazards: Damaged roads and debris can result in drivers having to swerve unexpectedly.

Determining Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Collision

An unexpected multi-vehicle collision can be physically and financially devastating. In addition to your injuries, you will be faced with steep medcial and repair bills. Being involved in a multi-vehicle collision is particularly stressful because of the number of parties involved and the various types of injuries that may have resulted. In addition, the large number of people involved often makes it difficult to determine liability.
Georgia uses a system called modified comparative negligence, in which liability is apportioned by each party’s share of fault. You will be able to recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault, but any recovery will be limited by the percentage of your fault. In a multi-vehicle collision, fault may be divided among multiple parties.

While the cause of a multi-vehicle accident may seem easy to determine, there are often numerous other factors to consider. In some cases, the last driver in a pileup will claim that one of the middle cars stopped first, and he or she could not stop in time to avoid a collision. Other times, blame is placed on the driver at the front of the pileup. For example, a driver in the middle or rear of the chain may claim the first driver stopped for no reason or changed lanes and slammed on the brakes.

If you were in the first vehicle in a chain reaction pile-up, you are often in the most difficult position to recover compensation. This is because the drivers behind you will often dispute liability. That is when it is important to have the right car accident attorneys working on your behalf. We will collect witness statements and search for video of the accident that may exist. We also use accident reconstructionists who can help determine the sequence of events by evaluating evidence from things such as the amount of damage to the vehicles, skid marks on the road, and other signs that point toward fault.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents & Insurance Companies

Injury claims arising from multi-vehicle accidents are often further complicated when many different insurance companies become involved. Sometimes one or more insurance companies will ask you to give a recorded statement, or approach you with a quick settlement offer. It is best to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer before you talk to any insurance company or consider a settlement.

Contact KWF After a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Georgia

If you have read this page, you likely understand that a multi-vehicle accident can be complicated and difficult to sort through and resolve. Let the legal team at KWF in Atlanta help you recover compensation. Please call our multi-vehicle accident team today at (404) 461-0101. All information is kept strictly confidential and we represent clients with accidents in Atlanta, Marietta, Macon, and Savannah and across the Southeastern U.S.