What to do if you’re involved in a multi-vehicle collision? Stop as soon as you can, prioritizing safety, and call 911.
If possible, assist others, gather insurance and contact information from the other drivers involved, record witness contact details, and take pictures and videos of the scene. Get a medical examination, even if you think you are not injured, and contact a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer.
Stop Safely and Call Emergency Services
The first thing you should do if you are involved in a multi-vehicle collision and your car is still moving is to stop in a safe place, ideally, at the side of the road as near to the accident as you can. If the accident stops your car and you can safely move it to the side of the road, do so.
Call 911 and check yourself, your passengers, and people in the other cars for injuries. Turn on your hazard lights and place cones or flares to warn other drivers. Stay at the scene till the authorities arrive. Leaving an accident scene without stopping to provide your details is considered a hit-and-run. Most multi-vehicle collisions are serious. You should remain at the scene until help arrives.
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Assess Injuries and Assist Injured People
If you are badly injured, stay where you are and wait for help. If others may be hurt and you can assist, first check for a response. When people fail to respond, confirm whether they are breathing. It may be necessary to apply CPR. Apply 30 compressions per two rescue breaths. If you are not trained, apply compressions only or hand over to someone with first aid training.
If an injured person is bleeding heavily, use a clean cloth to apply firm, direct pressure to the wound. Do not remove the cloth. Add further layers if necessary. Never move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Doing so can aggravate their injuries. Wait for emergency services to arrive.
Gather Evidence and Information if You Can
Even if no one appears to be injured, you will still need the police to assess the accident scene and compile a report. Meanwhile, you should record the names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident, and collect the contact details of any witnesses.
Document as many details as you can without endangering yourself. Take photos of the vehicles and their damage, the surrounding area, and any marks left on the road. Video footage of the scene, both yours and the witnesses’, may also prove helpful.
Cooperate with the police when they arrive, but do not say anything that may be seen as an admission of fault. Even if you think you did something wrong, you may be mistaken. Rely on a proper investigation to uncover all the factors contributing to the accident.
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See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
Seeing a doctor is one of the most important things to do if you’re involved in a multi-vehicle collision. Get medical attention as soon as you can. You will be in shock and may have injuries you aren’t aware of. Apart from the way adrenaline masks pain, some very serious injuries only cause symptoms some time after a crash.
A doctor can examine you and will advise you on symptoms you should look out for. Delaying your medical checkup can endanger you, and it may lead to complications if you need to claim compensation for your injuries from an at-fault driver later on.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and consult them immediately if you experience new symptoms. When you’re involved in a multi-vehicle collision, there is a high risk of internal injuries, and your health is your primary concern. Besides this, failing to follow instructions from your doctor can harm any claims against at-fault drivers’ insurance.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
Under Utah Code Ann. § 31A-22-309, you usually cannot claim compensation from an at-fault driver unless your injuries pass a certain threshold. For example, your medical expenses exceed $3,000. If your injuries are relatively minor, you would claim from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.
For vehicle damage, you must claim from the at-fault driver’s Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. If you are more than 49% at fault, your own collision coverage applies. If you are less than 50% to blame, at-fault parties’ insurance policies reimburse you, but do not cover the percentage of damage you are to blame for. Instead, your own PDL insurance applies to that percentage.
One of the things to do if you’re involved in a multi-vehicle collision is to alert your PIP insurer. Then contact your collision insurance company. It’s important to know how to handle insurance companies after a crash. Stick to the basics. Do not speculate on fault or discuss your injuries. If another driver’s insurance company contacts you, refer them to your lawyer.
Consulting an Attorney if You Are Involved in a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Multi-vehicle collisions are highly complex, often involving multiple contributing factors. A lawyer knows how fault is determined in a multi-vehicle accident. They can ensure you are not unfairly allocated blame, protecting your right to compensation. This is especially important if you are seriously injured. Your lawyer will analyze:
- The police report
- Physical evidence
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
If necessary, your car accident attorney will consult experts who can help with accident reconstruction. Because they provide a scientific analysis of the collision, their testimony can be a decisive factor when other drivers or their insurers dispute fault. If you are entitled to compensation, your lawyer will handle your claim and the ensuing negotiations or lawsuit.
Call Us if You Have Been Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Many people don’t know what to do after being involved in a multi-vehicle collision, especially if they have been injured.
At Siegfried & Jensen, our experienced lawyers are ready to advise you on your options. Your PIP insurance may not cover all your medical bills and personal losses, but we may be able to help you recover compensation. Contact us for a free case assessment today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
