What To Do If You’re Injured In A Multi-Vehicle Crash In Arkansas

In this article, you will discover:

• What constitutes a multi-vehicle or chain reaction accident in Arkansas.
• How fault is determined when there are multiple cars involved in an accident.
• What evidence is critical to preserve following a multi-vehicle accident.

What Defines A Multi-Vehicle Or Chain Reaction Accident?

A multi-vehicle or chain reaction accident occurs when you hit a vehicle from behind, and that impact is passed through a line of cars in front of you, like a series of falling dominoes.

Because everyone involved has the impact passed forward to them, determining liability can be complicated. Everyone’s own insurance company will attempt to ensure they’re not held liable for any part of the damages. However, it’s typically the driver who started or caused the chain reaction who is responsible for covering the other drivers’ damages.

What Are The Most Common Injuries Associated With Multi-Vehicle Collisions On Highways And Interstates?

Injuries can include major whiplash, concussions and broken bones. Depending on where you are in the chain reaction, you may be subject to several impacts from multiple vehicles, leading to more severe injuries.

How Is Fault Determined When Multiple Drivers Are Involved In A Multi-Car Accident?

Fault can be determined through witness testimony from people who were involved in the accident and testimony from those who witnessed it, but weren’t involved.

If you were involved in the accident, you can testify to how many impacts you felt. If you felt just one impact in your car and there were three drivers behind you, then it’s probably not the fault of the driver directly behind you. Instead, it was likely an impact pushed forward through the line to you. If you feel multiple impacts, there are usually numerous defendants or drivers at fault.

Attorney Bradley Mullins is a skilled lawyer based in Springdale, Rogers and Fort Smith, Arkansas, who has helped countless clients like you navigate the intricacies of personal injury law. With years of experience, he is prepared to assist you with the intricacies of your car accident claim when there are multiple drivers involved, so you receive the full compensation you're entitled to for the injuries you’ve suffered.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Mullins & Blake Attorneys today to schedule an initial consultation.

What Critical Evidence Is Often Lost After A Multi-Vehicle Accident, And How Can Accident Victims Preserve It?

Often, you can lose witness testimony because the police report has outdated addresses or phone numbers for people who were involved or witnessed the accident. Early involvement of a car wreck attorney can help preserve that testimony.

The sooner you can preserve witness phone numbers and contact information, the better. In the age of technology, everyone has a cell phone. Hopefully, you can contact those people and ask if they have any useful cellphone or dashcam footage.

That footage can be crucial for verifying or challenging witness testimony, though people may disagree about what they see. For that reason, sometimes video helps, and sometimes it hurts.

What Are The Most Serious Mistakes To Avoid After Being Injured In A Multi-Vehicle Crash?

Don’t communicate with the insurance companies of the other drivers involved in the accident. Their motive is to ensure their driver doesn’t have any fault pinned on them, and they view you as someone they can potentially shift blame to.

Why Is Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Especially Important In Complex Multi-Car Accident Cases?

You need someone who will fight for you and represent your interests when there are multiple claimants and insurance companies involved. Each claimant and insurance company will have an attorney. Everyone involved will be pointing fingers and passing the buck, so they don’t have to pay you.

There may also be limited insurance proceeds available to be split between parties claiming injuries. An attorney can fight and advocate on your behalf to ensure you get your fair share of that money.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on multi-vehicle accidents in Arkansas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (479) 227-3060 | (479) 412-HURT or text us (479) 358-1998 today.