Unlike single-vehicle collisions, multi-vehicle accidents can be much more complicated legally. For this reason, having a San Antonio multi-vehicle accident lawyer on your side is crucial to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you are entitled to.
At Patterson Law Group, we are dedicated to helping accident victims understand their rights and protect them. Our team knows how to handle the unique challenges of multi-vehicle accident cases.
Understanding Multi-Vehicle Accidents
A multi-vehicle accident happens when three or more cars crash into each other. These types of accidents usually happen in places with a lot of traffic, during bad weather like rain or fog, or because someone was not paying attention or made a mistake while driving. Some common causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:
Tailgating (Following Too Closely)
When drivers don’t leave enough space between their car and the one in front, they might not have time to stop if traffic suddenly slows down, causing a chain reaction crash.
Distracted Driving:
Drivers who are texting, eating, or not paying attention to the road can miss changes in traffic, leading to pile-ups when they don’t stop in time or swerve into other cars.
Bad Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, or fog can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers might have trouble stopping or seeing other cars, which can lead to multiple cars crashing into each other.
Speeding
When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. This can make it harder to avoid hitting the car in front of them, especially in heavy traffic.
Sudden Stops or Lane Changes
If a driver suddenly slams on the brakes or quickly changes lanes without signaling, it can catch other drivers off guard and cause them to crash into each other.
Driver Fatigue
Tired drivers may react slower or even fall asleep behind the wheel. This can cause them to lose control of their car and collide with other vehicles, sparking a multi-car accident.
Due to the number of cars involved and the possibility of multiple impacts, multi-vehicle accidents often involve more severe injuries. Additionally, figuring out who is responsible can be difficult, as several drivers may share the fault.
This is why it’s essential to have a San Antonio auto collision lawyer who understands the challenges of multi-vehicle accidents.
Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
One of the biggest challenges in multi-vehicle accident cases is determining who is at fault. Several factors must be considered in these types of accidents, and multiple drivers may share the blame. One driver may cause the initial accident, but other drivers may contribute to the chain of events that lead to further collisions.
Texas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be divided among multiple parties. In multi-vehicle accidents, this can significantly impact the compensation you may be entitled to.
If you’re found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it’s so important to have an experienced injury attorney in San Antonio, TX, who can investigate your case thoroughly.
In Texas, there are specific laws that apply to multi-vehicle accidents. For example, Texas law requires that drivers maintain a safe following distance, and failure to do so can make them liable for rear-end collisions. A skilled lawyer can help determine how these laws apply to your accident and work to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
The Role of Our San Antonio Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
At Patterson Law Group, we understand the unique challenges of multi-vehicle accidents. Our team of San Antonio multi-vehicle accident lawyers is here to provide the support and resources you need during this difficult time. We know how to investigate these complex accidents and will work hard to gather the evidence to build a strong case.
We gather crucial evidence, including police reports, accident scene photographs, and witness statements. In many cases, we also work with experts to reconstruct the accident and determine how the crash occurred.
This information can be essential in proving who was at fault and ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Our multi-vehicle accident attorneys in San Antonio have the experience and resources to handle these cases and fight for your rights.
Types of Damages You Can Claim
If you’ve been injured in a multi-vehicle accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, also known as damages. These damages can help cover the financial and emotional impact of the accident. Some of the most common types of damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment you may need due to your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and any future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: In addition to financial losses, you may also be entitled to compensation for the emotional and physical pain caused by the accident.
Every case is different, so it’s important to work with an accident attorney in San Antonio who can assess your situation and ensure that all potential damages are considered.
The Legal Process for Multi-Vehicle Accident Claims
Filing a claim for a multi-vehicle accident can be a lengthy and complicated process. With multiple parties involved, it’s important to have an experienced San Antonio multi-vehicle accident lawyer guiding you through each step. Here’s a general overview of the legal process:
- Filing an Insurance Claim: The first step is to file a claim with the insurance companies of the responsible parties. Since multiple drivers are involved, there may be several insurance companies to deal with.
- Negotiating Settlements: Once the claim is filed, your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement. This involves communicating with the insurance companies and ensuring you are offered adequate compensation.
- Going to Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to court. This is often necessary in complex multi-vehicle accident cases where determining liability is difficult.
Having an injury attorney in San Antonio, TX, who understands the legal process is essential. They can handle the negotiations and legal paperwork, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
How Our San Antonio Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Patterson Law Group, we are committed to providing our clients with the legal support they need after a multi-vehicle accident. Our team will tirelessly protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We provide personalized legal advice, taking the time to understand your situation and develop a strategy that works for you.
One of the most important roles of a San Antonio auto collision lawyer is to handle communications with insurance companies.
Dealing with multiple insurers can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from an accident. Our team will take care of this on your behalf, ensuring that your case is handled efficiently and that you are treated fairly.
We are also committed to advocating for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether through settlement negotiations or in court, we will fight for your rights every step of the way.
Steps to Take After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
- Prioritize Your Safety: Safety is the most important thing after an accident. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, getting checked out by a doctor is a good idea. Some injuries might not show up until later, and getting medical attention early can help prevent complications.
- Gather Information: Try to gather as much information as possible about the accident. Take pictures of the scene, exchange details with the other drivers, and get the names and contact info of witnesses who saw what happened. This information will be helpful when you need to explain what happened or file a claim.
- Contact Patterson Law Group: As soon as possible, contact our team of multi-vehicle accident attorneys in San Antonio. Having a lawyer on your side early on will help you build a strong case and improve your chances of getting the support you need. We’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our San Antonio Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
At Patterson Law Group, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Contact us today to speak with an experienced San Antonio multi-vehicle accident lawyer who can help you through this challenging time.
