All accidents are dangerous, but multi-car accidents can be particularly more devastating. In most cases, all the involved parties walk away with grave injuries that change their life forever. The damages caused are usually worth millions of dollars, which is why working on such cases can be particularly complex. This is why an attorney should only handle these.
If you have been involved in a multi-car accident, you may be confused about your next step. Since there are more than two parties involved, the process of determining liability is more difficult. Speak to a Hopkinsville personal injury attorney.
Things you SHOULD do after a multi-car accident.
- Make sure everyone is okay.
You should first get out of your car as quickly as possible, make sure you do it safely, and check on everyone. First, ensure you and your passengers do not have major injuries or bleeding. Secondly, check on the other drivers. If you get out safely first, help the other drivers get out of their cars and stand on the safe side of the road.
- Call the police and ambulance.
The law in Hopkinsville requires you to report all accidents to the police, no matter how minor or major they might be. None of the parties should leave the accident scene before the officers arrive. Next, you should call for medical help. Even if your injuries seem minor, they might be bigger than you think.
- Click pictures of the scene.
Click pictures of the accident scene to collect evidence for your claim. Make sure you capture the accident scene as a whole, damages to the car, injuries, etc.
What you SHOULD NOT do after a multi-car accident
- Do not blame anyone.
While you may be angry at one or more parties and think they were to blame for the accident, it is important to keep calm and quiet. You cannot blame any parties without understanding the accident properly. Wait for the police to arrive and consult your attorney before taking any steps.
- Do not accept a settlement without consulting an attorney.
Right after the accident, the insurance adjusters of the other parties may contact you and try to settle the claim over the phone. You should never accept the initial offers, especially without consulting your attorney.
- Do not panic.
Sure, this is a stressful situation. You have been in an accident, your car is damaged, and you have injuries that will attract a big medical bill. However, it is important to remain calm and think reasonably.