When you think of an accident, you may picture two cars, whether they be t-boned, rear-ended, or sideswiped. While collisions involving two cars are common, there are instances in which three or more cars can be involved in a single accident. Determining liability in an collision with two cars can be tricky, so figuring out responsibility in multi-car accidents can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to understand your rights in these matters, which is why connecting with Baltimore County car accident attorneys is in your best interest. Keep reading to learn more about how liability is determined and the steps you should take to protect yourself if you are involved in a multi-car collision in Maryland.
How Is It Determined Who Is At-Fault in Multi-Car Accidents?
Determining liability in an accident involving multiple vehicles can be incredibly difficult. This is because there may be more than one party at fault, and many conflicting accounts of how the accident happened.
Investigators will examine a multitude of different factors to determine which party or parties are responsible for the collision. This includes determining how the accident happened, based on the accounts of the parties involved, witnesses, security camera footage of the accident, and damage patterns on vehicles. This can help investigators create a timeline of the events, which, in turn, can help determine who is liable for the damages sustained by the victims of the accident.
As mentioned, it’s important to understand that it is possible for more than one party to be at fault in a collision involving more than two cars. This occurs when both parties act negligently, and that negligence leads to a collision. For example, a driver may run a stop sign, colliding with a driver who was speeding, ultimately pushing the vehicles into an unsuspecting driver waiting at the opposite stop sign. The initial parties can both be found liable, as they were both negligent by failing to adhere to a stop sign and following the speed limit, respectively.
What Should I Do if I’m Involved in One?
In the event you are involved in a multi-car collision, taking the steps to protect yourself is critical. Generally, the most important things you can do include capturing evidence, seeking medical attention, and connecting with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
After the collision, while waiting for emergency services to arrive, you should take as many photos of the accident scene as possible. This includes the damage to all vehicles, license plate information, any visible injuries you’ve suffered, and where the vehicles are positioned in relation to one another. Capturing these details can help invesigators piece together the events of the accident.
You should also seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Unfortunately, many deny medical care at the scene, only to develop symptoms at a later date. However, the liable party can claim you failed to mitigate damages by refusing medical care, thus holding you liable for the damages you’ve suffered.
As you can see, accidents involving multiple cars can be incredibly difficult to navigate, which is why working with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi is in your best interest. Our firm understands how difficult these circumstances can be, especially while you are healing from the injuries you’ve suffered. That is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances with a member of our dedicated team.