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Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorney in Roanoke

Multi-vehicle accidents can feel overwhelming and cause catastrophic damage. At their most extreme, these incidents can involve dozens of vehicles, and amidst the chaos, it can be hard to determine which driver was at fault.

If you were involved in an accident with multiple other vehicles, sorting out the mess with many other drivers and their insurance companies can feel impossible. A Roanoke multi-vehicle lawyer can make this process much more straightforward and manageable.

Contact our Roanoke car accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the accident and review your legal options.

What Is a Multi-Vehicle Accident?

A multi-vehicle accident involves three or more vehicles. You may also see these referred to as pileups. Massive multi-vehicle accidents often make the news due to their relative rarity and the sheer scope of the damage. Examples in Virginia include a 2019 accident near Williamsburg involving 69 vehicles and a 95-car pile-up in Carroll County in 2013.

Where Do Most Multi-Vehicle Accidents Happen?

Multi-vehicle accidents are most likely to occur on highways due to the high volume of traffic, high rate of speed, and reduced reaction time.

However, they can also occur in intersections. For example, one driver may run a red light, and another driver with a green light may not see them coming, resulting in a collision. These situations can lead to chain reactions.

Other times, such as in stop-and-go traffic, one vehicle may rear-end another and push it into the car in front of it. This situation can also result in a string of collisions, leading to a multi-car accident.

What Causes Most Roanoke Multi-Vehicle Accidents?

A variety of factors can cause and contribute to multi-car crashes.

Some of the most common causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:

  • Heavy traffic
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Rubbernecking
  • Aggressive driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Poor road conditions due to weather or construction
  • Low-visibility conditions

Generally, multi-car accidents are caused by a driver’s negligence. Determining negligence and liability is a complex process, particularly in these cases, so having a Roanoke multi-vehicle lawyer on your side is essential.

What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Multi-Vehicle Wreck?

The steps you take following a chain reaction car accident affect what happens next in terms of your legal process.

Here are some essential things to remember after a multi-car accident:

  • Follow Doctor’s Orders — Your doctor will outline a treatment plan that may include rehab, physical therapy, and multiple follow-up appointments. You must stick to this plan to help keep your physical recovery on track and strengthen your legal case.
  • Keep Detailed Records — Keep all bills, statements, receipts, insurance letters, and other paperwork related to the accident in a dedicated place. You should also keep a written record of your symptoms, treatment progress, and how you feel physically and emotionally.
  • Avoid Social Media — If the accident was a significant pileup, you may be tempted to share the story on social media. Unfortunately, this poses a potential risk to your legal case if you say anything that can be misconstrued and used to discredit your story. Wait until the case has been resolved before posting.
  • Contact a Roanoke Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer — As soon as possible, contact an experienced attorney with a strong track record in multi-car accident cases as soon as possible. You’ll need to have someone you can trust to handle every aspect of your case and fight for your best interest.

It can be hard to get a handle on the situation following an accident. By following these tips and working closely with your legal team, you can focus on your physical recovery and leave the legal steps to the experts. Contact our Roanoke multi-vehicle accident lawyer today.

What Are Some Common Injuries from Multi-Car Accidents?

The injuries you experience in a pileup car accident can vary in terms of their severity and their lasting impact. Much depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident, such as the speed at which you were traveling, where your vehicle sustained impact, the number of impacts, where you were seated relative to the impact, and more.

Common multi-vehicle accident injuries include:

  • Head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and whiplash
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal trauma/paralysis
  • Broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Airbag and seatbelt injuries
  • Burns
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Wrongful death

The type and severity of your injuries and your long-term prospects for recovery will influence the compensation you may receive in your car accident claim.

Who Can Be Held At Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Crash?

Determining fault in a multi-vehicle accident involves investigating all the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Potentially at-fault parties for a multi-car accident could include:

  • Other drivers
  • Vehicle manufacturers, if a part or system on the vehicle malfunctioned and caused the crash
  • Municipalities, if unmarked, poorly planned, or poorly maintained roadways caused the crash

An important detail to note is that Virginia has a pure contributory negligence law, which applies in multi-vehicle accident cases. Your claim will be denied if you’re found to be even partially at fault. This law makes hiring a car accident lawyer with experience handling these cases fundamental.

How Long Can It Take for a Car Accident Lawsuit to Settle?

Car accident claims may only take a few weeks to settle, but if you and your attorney file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve, it may take months or even years to resolve your case. How long it takes depends on the number of parties involved, how much evidence you have supporting your claim, the extent of your injuries, and more.

Having an attorney on your side improves your likelihood of reaching a favorable resolution and may prompt other parties to settle sooner rather than later.

Does Virginia Have a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?

Virginia’s statute of limitations allows two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in a multi-vehicle accident case. Enlisting an attorney soon after the accident is essential because they need time to gather evidence to support your claim.

Contact a Roanoke Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer

You have a legal right to seek compensation when injured due to another person’s negligence. When you work with a Roanoke car accident lawyer at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, you can count on us to put our nearly 100 years of combined experience to work in building and arguing your case. We’re committed to the principle that justice applies to everyone and are ready to fight for you no matter what it takes. Contact our Roanoke personal injury lawyer today.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to learning about your situation and outlining your legal options.