Although many car accidents are simple and it is clear which party is at fault when the collision took place, this is not always the case for every incident. In fact, sometimes car accidents can involve multiple parties, vehicles, collisions, and injuries. The chaos of the accident can also often create problems for drivers in remembering exactly which car hit the other first and how to allocate responsibility. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, knowing your rights and next steps is crucial to protecting yourself and maximizing your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
According to a recent local news report, Maryland State Police are investigating a multiple-vehicle crash that left a local man dead and also injured a pedestrian. Troopers responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash around 3:00 AM and to an accident involving five separate vehicles and a pedestrian. Based on a preliminary investigation, a black Dodge initially rear-ended a Chevrolet. A separate driver, acting as a Good Samaritan, stopped his vehicle on the shoulder to assist with the accident. Shortly after the separate driver exited his vehicle, a Nissan crashed into the Dodge from the initial accident and the pedestrian involved in the crash was also struck. A separate accident occurred when a Chevrolet stopped in a separate lane, potentially to also provide assistance before a GMC crashed into it. All five drivers and the pedestrian were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The accident remains under investigation by local authorities.
Multiple-vehicle crashes, often also called chain reaction accidents, can often create legal challenges as complex as the series of collisions that led to the dispute in the first place. Because these accidents often involve several defendants and plaintiffs with personal injury claims, it can be a challenging task to navigate on your own.
What Is the First Step to Filing a Maryland Car Accident Claim?
The first step in filing a car accident claim is to consult with an experienced Maryland car accident attorney. This way, an attorney is there with you from the beginning to get the facts from the parties, gather evidence, and assess the merits of your claim and others involved in the dispute. This also leaves less room for surprises down the line and maximizes your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
The biggest challenge of multiple vehicle accidents is assigning liability or fault. Where there are multiple defendants, damages could be obtained from the negligent or reckless driver who initiated the chain reaction of accidents and from drivers involved in subsequent collisions. In some cases, however, there may not be enough insurance to pay each victim the compensation they deserve. An experienced Maryland car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process of interacting with multiple insurance companies and a variety of claims so that your interests are properly represented.
Do You Need a Maryland Car Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you know was recently involved in a Maryland car accident, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Our attorneys have years of experience fighting for the injured and will work to provide you with the support you need in your legal battle. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us at 800-654-1949.