A pileup accident is a serious event that can leave victims with significant injuries and damage. If you’ve been involved in a pileup accident, it’s important to know what steps to take afterward to protect your right to obtain the compensation you and other victims of the collision deserve.
Below, we provide an overview of what to do after a pileup, from ensuring your safety to contacting an experienced car accident attorney in Massachusetts or New Hampshire.
Pileup Accidents Explained
A pileup accident, also known as a multi-vehicle collision or multi-vehicle pileup, is a type of car accident that involves three or more vehicles. Pileup accidents often occur on highways and freeways during periods of heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
Pileup accidents are most often caused by poor road conditions and careless driving. Poor road conditions can include slick roads due to rain or snow, potholes, debris in the roadway, and even sudden changes in the elevation of the roadway. Careless driving can include speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, and aggressive driving. When combined, careless driving and road issues can exponentially increase the chances of a pileup accident.
Steps to Take After a Pileup Accident
The first step after any car accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers. If you can, you need to move your car off of the road and if you have them, set up flares or at least turn on your hazard lights.
If you are not able to move your vehicle, get yourself to the side of the road or away from traffic and leave your car where it is. If possible, you should check on anyone in the other vehicles involved in the pileup. Call for emergency medical help if necessary, or the police if only vehicle damage has occurred.
Gather Information
Once you have ensured that everyone in your vehicle is safe, you can begin to gather information about the other drivers involved in the pileup. Get the name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number of each driver, as well as any witnesses to the accident.
Get Checked Out
Even if you don’t feel like you were injured in the accident, it’s important to obtain a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Injuries from car accidents often do not present themselves immediately after the collision occurs. By seeking medical attention right away, you will have a record of any injuries that were caused by the accident should you need to file a personal injury claim later on.
Get Help From Personal Injury Lawyers In Your Area
Once you’ve gotten to safety and obtained the medical care you need, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for compensation for your injuries or damages sustained in the accident.
Who Is Liable For a Pileup Accident?
Liability in a pileup accident can be complicated because there are typically multiple parties involved. The driver who caused the initial crash may be held liable for any damage and injuries that resulted from the accident.
However, if poor road conditions were a contributing factor to the accident, then the government entity responsible for maintaining those roads may also be held liable. An experienced attorney can help you determine who is liable for your damages and injuries sustained in a pileup accident.
Pileup Accidents and Your Rights
If you have been involved in a pileup accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. The amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the liable parties involved. You should speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options and determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
You Have the Right To Be Compensated Fairly For Damages
The insurance companies representing the liable parties in a pileup accident will often try to lowball victims to save money. However, you have the right to receive a fair settlement for your injuries and damages. A lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are owed.
Call Massachusetts & New Hampshire Car Accident Attorneys Mazow | McCullough, PC Today
Don’t hesitate to call for legal representation after being involved in a car accident, especially a serious one like a pileup. At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we have the experience needed to provide you with comprehensive advocacy after a devastating accident leaves you with medical expenses, lost wages, and physical injuries. Call our office today for a consultation at (978) 744-8000 or toll free at (855) 693-9084. Serving the entirety of New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
