Any traffic accident situation can be a scary and confusing experience for those involved. However, a crash can become even more complex when there are multiple vehicles involved. A multi-vehicle crash could result in more damage, and these incidents will almost certainly be more complicated when dealing with liability issues. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys want to discuss what you should do if you are involved in a multi-vehicle collision.
According to the latest reporting year of data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 128,420 total traffic crashes. Out of those accidents, there were more than 78,000 injuries and 1,190 fatalities reported. While many of these accidents involved just two vehicles, PennDOT data also shows us that 70,854 total crashes (55.2%) across the Commonwealth during that same year involved multiple vehicles.
Unfortunately, more vehicles can make it harder to determine liability in these cases. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle collision, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible from the crash scene, preferably before the incident is cleaned up. If possible, those involved in a multi-vehicle collision should use a smartphone or other type of camera to take photographs of every vehicle involved as well as any damages, any debris around the scene, and any possible causes of the crash. It is vital that those involved in multi-vehicle collisions get the names and contact information of every driver and passenger involved, as well as the insurance information for every vehicle involved in the incident.
Multi-vehicle collisions often mean that there are many people involved in the accident. In some cases, a four-car collision could mean just four people are involved. However, a four-car collision could also result in more than a dozen people being involved.
As difficult as it may seem, it is important to get the names and contact information of every person involved in the car accident. If possible, set your smartphone or other recording devices to the video setting and record the car accident scene for an extended period of time. This can be done from a distance but should encompass everybody involved in the accident. This could be used as evidence in an insurance settlement or at a potential personal injury lawsuit.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a multi-vehicle collision, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we are ready to investigate every aspect of your case in order to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
When you need a Philadelphia car accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.