Being involved in a car accident is a difficult experience regardless, but multi-car accidents complicate the situation even further. In these cases, it is more difficult to investigate who is at fault, and often the accidents are more severe. If you are involved in a multi-car accident it is important to work with an experienced attorney to ensure your interests are represented fairly, contact our office today for a free consultation.

What is a Multi-Car Accident?

A multi-car accident is a car accident that involves more than two vehicles. These accidents involve numerous vehicles and, as a result, often cause more damage and serious injuries. An additional complication is the multiple parties that are involved, as this can lead to several different perspectives on what happened.

Emotions can often run high, and it can be difficult to assign fault and legal liability. Most of the time these accidents happen on highways where drivers are moving at high velocities and tend to be the result of a chain reaction. A multi-car crash can also happen if there is already an accident and a distracted driver is not paying attention and compounds the damage of the original accident.

Multi-Car Crash Statistics

The most common cause of multi-vehicle crashes is distracted driving, where the driver is not paying attention to the road. This can be because of texting while driving, eating, or messing with the radio or navigation system. Driving under the influence is also a big reason that multi-vehicle crashes occur, as consuming drugs or alcohol lowers drivers’ reaction times and abilities to accurately perceive road hazards.

Inclement weather is another major cause of multi-car accident, as ice or snow conditions can cause vehicles to lose traction. Visibility can also be reduced when there is bad weather, and this can increase the likelihood of an auto accident.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 46% of car accidents in the US involved multiple vehicles. In Colorado the number is a bit higher, coming in at 49% in 2017.

In April 2019, there was a fiery 28-car pileup in Colorado. Four men were killed, and the vehicles involved ranges from cars and SUVs to 18-wheelers and a 24-passenger vehicle. The driver that caused the accident was driving a flatbed that was carrying lumber, and the accident is still being investigated. Most likely the driver will face serious charges after the investigation is concluded.

The Colorado Department of Transportation also ranks the deadliest counties for accidents, with Adams County topping the list in 2016 at 60 deaths.  

What to Do if You are Involved in a Multi-Car Accident

If you are involved in an auto accident that involves multiple vehicles, it is important to contact an attorney right away to ensure that your interests are fairly represented. Since multi-vehicle crashes result in multiple witnesses and parties being involved, it is more difficult for investigators to accurately determine who or what caused the accident.

If you can, it is recommended to immediately take notes on your perspective of the accident, as investigations can take time and you do not want memories to fade. An accurate record of what happened will be very important for legal proceedings that will follow.

In addition, you should not accept any settlements or offers from other parties without first speaking with an attorney. This will ensure that you are treated fairly and get the compensation you are owed.

If you are in a multi-car accident in Westminster, Broomfield or Arvada in Adams county, CO, whether it be an auto accident or a truck accident, contact the law offices of Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden to speak to an experienced attorney. Our attorneys can ensure that you receive the proper settlement for your claim through powerful legal representation. Contact us at (720) 487-1050 today to speak to one of our attorneys.