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I Was Hurt in a Multi-Vehicle Crash in St. Louis. What Can I Do?

Experiencing a car crash with another driver is difficult enough without having multiple vehicles involved. When three or more vehicles are involved in a collision, it’s referred to as a multi-vehicle accident, which can make proving liability and recovering financial compensation significantly more complicated. 

Here is more about how fault is determined in this type of car accident case and what you can do to increase the chances of a successful financial recovery. 

Why Multi-Vehicle Accidents Are More Complicated

Even in a two-car accident, there is likely to be blaming and finger-pointing in a he-said, she-said battle for the truth. Adding additional parties to the mix can make determining who actually caused the accident an even more tangled web. 

In a two-car accident, blame is typically divided in a relatively straightforward manner. If one driver ran a red light while the other person was driving with caution and obeying traffic laws to the letter, it’s likely that one driver will shoulder 100% of the blame. 

However, let’s say that there was a multi-vehicle chain reaction that resulted in a crash when one driver was tailgating and rear-ended the car in front of him. To complicate matters further, let’s say that the car that got rear-ended was engaged in distracted driving, and that driver failed to react in time to stop himself from hitting another vehicle. 

Here, at least two of the drivers share some of the blame, and it’s up to insurance companies and attorneys to look at the available evidence and attempt to apportion fault. 

How to Strengthen Your Case in a Multi-Vehicle Accident 

Injured car accident victims can take several steps at the scene and after the accident to prove that the other driver or drivers are liable. Further, a St. Louis car accident attorney can assist you in gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to help maximize your financial recovery, including compensation for lost wages, medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. 

When possible, we recommend taking the following steps after an accident: 

1. Call the police and get a police report. If you are injured in a car accident, you are required by Missouri law to contact the police and file a report. The police report can be used to determine who caused the accident.
    
2. Take photos and videos at the scene. If it is safe and you are physically able, document as much evidence as possible, including the condition of the vehicles, license plates, and your injuries.
    
3. Collect statements from eyewitnesses. If any third parties witnessed the accident, ask them to record their recollection and be sure to get their contact information.
    
4. Get the contact information of other drivers. In addition to the contact details of witnesses, be sure to get names, phone numbers, and insurance information from the other drivers.
    
5. Seek medical attention. You should always visit a doctor after any vehicle collision, even if you think you aren’t really injured. Some injuries manifest themselves days or weeks later. Failure to see a doctor can compromise your health and your claim.
    
6. Reach out to a law firm. Insurance companies are definitely not friends, and they will explore every possible tactic to avoid admitting their clients are at fault. They will also try to pay you the absolute bare minimum for injuries. Attorneys will advocate for your interests and negotiate on your behalf. 

Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney 

At The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, we have been successfully representing injured car accident victims in St. Louis and across the entire state of Missouri for 20-plus years. Contact us at (636) 942-6713 for a free consultation.