Being involved in a multi-vehicle car accident can be a chaotic and overwhelming experience. If you’re reading this, it likely means that you or someone close to you has been in an accident. It’s normal to feel confused and worried about what to do next. You may have questions about how to handle the aftermath of the crash, how to protect your rights, and what steps you need to take to ensure that your case is properly managed. At this difficult time, it is important to understand that you are not alone. There are steps you can take to protect your health, safety, and legal interests, and we are here to help guide you through the process.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Sam Alba
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
Take Immediate Action to Ensure Your Safety
The moments following a multi-vehicle car accident can feel overwhelming. Your first priority should always be safety. If you are able to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further harm. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately to get the necessary medical help to the scene. It is also crucial to check on other people involved in the crash, including drivers and passengers from other vehicles, to ensure no one is severely hurt.
If you or anyone else is injured, it’s important not to try and move anyone unless it’s necessary to prevent further injury. Emergency medical teams are trained to handle such situations and can provide the proper care. When emergency personnel arrive, follow their advice and accept medical attention even if you don’t feel injured at first. Whiplash, concussions, and other injuries might not show symptoms right away, but they can worsen over time.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers
After ensuring everyone’s safety, the next step is to exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. This includes your name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance policy number, and the make and model of your vehicle. It’s important to stay calm and polite when interacting with others at the scene. Try to avoid admitting fault for the accident or getting into arguments with other drivers, as this can hurt your case later.
Take note of the time, date, and location of the accident, and if possible, gather information about the road conditions, weather, and traffic signals at the time. These details could be important when investigating the cause of the accident. It’s also a good idea to write down or record any conversations or statements made by other drivers at the scene, as this may help clarify who was at fault for the accident.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
One of the most critical steps after a multi-vehicle accident is documenting the scene of the crash. If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, traffic signs, and nearby landmarks that could help establish the location. Additionally, take photos of any visible injuries you or your passengers may have sustained.
If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements may be important in establishing the facts of the case. If law enforcement arrives, make sure to obtain the police report number, as this will be essential when filing your claim or working with your attorney. Sometimes police officers may not be able to determine fault at the scene, but their report will provide valuable information that could be used later in your case.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured in the crash, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor. Adrenaline from a traumatic event can mask pain, and injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or back problems can develop over time. A medical professional will be able to assess your condition and document any injuries that may have resulted from the accident.
Keep a record of all medical treatments, including any follow-up appointments, medications, or therapies you may need to recover. This documentation will be vital for both your health and your legal case. It helps provide evidence of the injuries you sustained and the expenses you incurred due to the accident.
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Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After ensuring that everyone’s immediate safety and health needs are addressed, you should report the accident to your insurance company. Be honest and thorough when describing what happened, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. In a multi-vehicle accident, it can sometimes be unclear who was responsible for the crash, so it’s important to let your insurance company conduct their own investigation into the incident.
Insurance companies may offer you a settlement, but it’s important to understand that you don’t have to accept the first offer. Often, these initial offers are far lower than what you may be entitled to. If you are unsure about how to handle the offer or how to proceed with your claim, consider seeking legal advice from an attorney who can help you navigate the process.
Consider Consulting With an Attorney to Protect Your Rights
At this point, it’s strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney who can help protect your legal rights. Multi-vehicle accidents often involve complicated legal issues, especially when it comes to determining fault and dividing liability among the various parties involved. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of the situation, and a knowledgeable attorney can help you make sure that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.
An attorney will help you gather all the necessary evidence, review the facts of your case, and assist in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They will also help you navigate any legal proceedings that may be necessary if the case goes to court. Having an experienced legal team on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
What Happens if the Accident Involves a Hit-and-Run
In some cases, a multi-vehicle accident may involve a hit-and-run driver who leaves the scene before being identified. If you are in a situation like this, it’s crucial to remember that you still have options. Your insurance policy may cover the costs of the accident under your uninsured motorist coverage, depending on the specifics of your policy.
Try to remember as many details about the hit-and-run vehicle as you can, including the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number. Even if the driver cannot be located right away, a thorough investigation may uncover important information to help identify the responsible party.
Dealing with the aftermath of a multi-vehicle car accident can be a long and complicated process. From insurance claims to medical treatment and legal battles, the steps involved in pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses can be overwhelming. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Buffalo, NY, we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, we understand the stress and confusion that comes with such an accident, and we are committed to helping you achieve a successful outcome for your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation and begin the process of protecting your rights.